Discussion

1. What is the secret of Ruslana's success?

2. What is the aim of rock and pop festivals?

3. Why are V.V. so popular (not only in Ukraine)?

Project Topics

1. Ethno-pop as a modern music style.

2. Development of Ukrainian rock as from 1985.

3. Problems of rock and pop industry in Ukraine.

Lesson 6. British music Quiz

1. Name some famous British pop groups and singers. What can you say about them?

2. What do you know about Welsh and Scottish musical culture?

3. Who is Andrew Lloyd Webber? Say a few words about him.

Guide to British Music

Of course, we in Britain get some of our music from America. We find that American songs, like "Throw Out Your Gold Teeth And See How They Roll" by Mr Steely Dan, "Hotel California" by the Eagles Orchestra, and "Smack Yo' Nigga Bitch" by DJ Ice T, help us to understand the culture of the United States.

Such songs are often played in folk clubs, and the gentlemen who play their guitars in these places are only too happy to sing them on request. It will help you to feel "at home" if you ask for them. We have a small music industry of our own, too. This little guide will help you to learn more about British Music.

Scottish Music

Scottish music is normally played on the bagpipes, or sung. The "pipes", as they are commonly known, are another import, from Ireland. A Scottish man will traditionally climb to the top of one of the many hills in Western Scotland, and stand playing the bagpipes, to the delight of all within earshot. As the bagpipes are very loud, it is possible to travel from Glasgow to Aberdeen within their pleasant sound. Bagpipers will also play American Negro Jazz for you.

Brass Bands

The factory workers of Yorkshire and Lancashire enjoy the sweet and melodious sounds of the local brass bands. Nowadays, these gentlemen and ladies of the area known as North England are sponsored by telecommunications software companies, and are so pleased to play their music that they willingly give up their evenings and Saturday afternoons to entertain the local children.

Although these fellows usually perform hymns on their trumpets and tubas, they are very interested in Country & Western music.

Sacred Music

The many churches and cathedrals of England with their pipe organs and choirs are very popular. Fans of such music are easily spotted. They wear long hair, and denim jeans and jackets with emblems upon the back, by which they indicate their church.

In their songs, choir members give thanks to God for blessing them with a wonderful life, beautiful children, and a place to practice on a Thursday evening.

(www.brookview.karoo.net/BFA/music.htm)

The Land of Song

As you may know, Wales is famous as a country that loves music! Most people have heard of Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Charlotte Church, Bryn Terfel and of pop and rock bands that have become famous all over the world. Wales is, of course, also famous for it's choral tradition.

However, what makes Wales really famous as the Land of Song, is that if you gather two or three Welsh people together, in a few minutes there will be talk of singing, even if the singing hasn't started already! The Japanese are the ones who invented the Karaoke Machine, but it is the Welsh that invented Karaoke itself, hundreds and hundreds of years ago! Singing heartily in public is a new thing in Japan, but a very old tradition in Wales! Furthermore, the Welsh feel no need for alcoholic stimulants to induce the courage to start singing! (Although on occasions, it may very well help to improve the quality of the singing!).

Wales is often known by the phrase "the Land of Song" (Welsh: Gwlad y Gân) and its people love poetry and music.

Perhaps the most well-known musical image of Wales is that of the choir, in particular the male voice choir (Welsh: cor meibion). Their songs are mainly about how welcome the English are in Welsh valleys.

While this is certainly a part of the current musical life of the nation, it is by no means the only or the oldest part. Much older is the tradition of instrumental folk music. The harp has been closely associated with Wales for a very long time. The principal instruments are the harp and the fiddle, but many other instruments are used.

Welsh Folk Songs

Welsh music is a fascinating mix of variety. Naturally, like any other culture, Wales has its own set of Folk Songs that in some cases are centuries old, yet still can be heard in schools, taverns and even football and rugby matches! One very interesting aspect of Welsh Folk Songs is that they are quite often written in the minor key, despite being merry songs!

Hymns

Whether you are Christian or not, hymn tunes are an important part of Welsh Musical Culture that cannot go ignored. Due to the Methodist movement of the 17th and 18th centuries, Welsh composers turned their talents to composing amazing hymn songs which are very well known and still sung in places of worship all over the world now. Indeed, some hymns such as 'Calon Lân' (Pure Heart) are popular with Welsh people and can be heard sung in pubs and taverns.

Modern Welsh Music - Welsh Music in the 21st Century

In recent years, Welsh Music has taken on a new vitality through the success of pop and rock bands that have originated in Wales. Although famous Welsh singers such as Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones are well known names, they chose to sing in English. Recent bands have not only been proudly displaying the Welsh National Flag on stage at their concerts, they have been naming some of their albums entirely in Welsh and have included songs written completely in the Welsh language. They have really brought Wales and their Welshness to the forefront of their performances and music and this has helped in stimulating a great amount of interest in Wales. Perhaps, these bands have done more for exporting Wales and stimulating interest in Wales than any other person or event in history!

The Welsh Choral Tradition

Despite the great interest shown in our national rugby and football teams in Wales, when compared to other nations, there is no real sporting tradition as there is elsewhere. Instead, you will find that every area, community, almost even all cities, towns and most villages have at least one choir if not more!

You are almost certain to find a Male Voice Choir, a Female Choir, a Mixed Choir, a Children's Choir. All of which are pure voluntary and made of people of all walks of life! Perhaps what is notable about Welsh Choirs is not how many of them there are, but the quality of their singing! There are many professional singers who are willing to sing with Welsh Choirs! In fact, you might have heard them on several Hollywood produced films!

So many Welsh choirs travel to the four corners of the World on tours that it is not 'news' anymore and is very seldom mentioned in national news programmes!

As we Welsh sing in our National Anthem:

Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwocion o fri! (Land of the honoured bards and musicians!)

Even at the beginning of the 21st Century, we sing these words and sing them with pride!

(http://cds.ibcjapan.com/cerddeng.html)