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The major difference between early European music and African music was the sycopated rhythm of the latter. Some early composers used variations of syncopated rhythm, thought to have been introduced after discovery in the New World. Syncopated rhythm is present in most modern music of all genres. Western music utilized the traditional 7 or 8 note scale, and African music, as well as Celtic and some other folk music from around the world utilized the 5 note (pentatonic) scale.
That's so interesting! How fascinating that, over the millenia, so many influences have met, melded, then repeated the process which continues even today.
The major difference between early European music and African music was the sycopated rhythm of the latter. Some early composers used variations of syncopated rhythm, thought to have been introduced after discovery in the New World. Syncopated rhythm is present in most modern music of all genres. Western music utilized the traditional 7 or 8 note scale, and African music, as well as Celtic and some other folk music from around the world utilized the 5 note (pentatonic) scale.
With this statement are you referring to NATIVE Africans, or African-Americans? Also, how do you come to that conclusion? I know a great many people that are all about Black pride and so forth, but if you acknowledge one, don't forget to acknowledge the other. How many things would not be available if it weren't for Whites or Europeans, and Asians, etc?
African rhythms (especially syncopation) combined with European melody (especially polyphony) combined with Middle-Eastern instrumentation introduced to Europe after the crusades (stringed, hollow-body instruments like guitar, for example) all combined to form popular American music.
To say it was invented by Blacks or Whites is disingenuous. It was a cooperative effort, one of the few things we can be really proud of.
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