The United States and Classical-Style Composers
The United States is one of the nations that host great classical-style composers. For example, Hector Berlioz and Richard Wagner who compose music such as folks, blues, pop and jazz styles for performance. According to Rosen (2005), the industrial revolution and the struggle for democracy are some of the forces that hindered the production of great classical style composers in the United States. The revolution resulted in a struggle for the resources, a situation that significantly contributed to the outbreak of conflicts in the US. Consequently, the general livelihood of all the citizens changed at all levels including the social lives – people encountered a lot of difficulties in their struggle to adapt and cope with the new changes. Democratic ideals also interfered with the daily lives of people as wars and disagreements developed between the United States and other nations such as London and Vienna.
Impact of Social Changes on Composers and Musicians
The classical-style composers, makers of musical instruments, and musicians were equally altered by the social changes given that they were part of the larger United States society (Rosen, 2005). Before the beginning of industrial revolution and struggle for democracy, the government was the ultimate decision maker and all citizens especially those from poor backgrounds were required to adhere to the directives from the government. Composers were mere servants to aristocratic government and were confined to writing music to be performed strictly by wealthy patrons or their servant musicians. During those times, classical-style composers were mostly employees of the church and court (Rosen, 2005). Notably, the situation above denied composers and musicians freedom of developing their own musical skills.
The Role of Government in the Music Industry
In brief, the music industry requires an enabling government that supports the different activities of the composers, musicians, and the other stakeholders or participants. As discussed in this essay, the production of the classical-style composers in the US was greatly hindered by the unfriendly conditions and environment. Very stringent policies and laws governing the music industry as in the case of US sometimes back, limit the composers and musicians in terms of developing their skills adequately and effectively.
Reference
Rosen, C. (2005). The classical style: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven. United Kingdom, UK: Faber " Faber.
