Changes

== History ==

== History ==

[[Image:Musica Cassell.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]

[[Image:Musica Cassell.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]

Evidence of musical activity is present in all known human cultures. The earliest known complete piece of music is the ''Epitaph of Seikilos'', carved in stone in Greece some time around the first century AD. Thereafter, the most complete historical record of musical development is European sacred music. Plainchant, or [[Gregorian]] chant, was first codified in the sixth century - although it had existed for many years prior to that - and from the 11th century onwards plainchant formed the basis for the earliest known use of harmony.  

Evidence of musical activity is present in all known human cultures. The earliest known complete piece of music is the ''Epitaph of Seikilos'', carved in stone in Greece some time around the first century AD. Thereafter, the most complete historical record of musical development is European sacred music. Plainchant, or [[Gregorian]] chant, was first codified in the sixth century - although it had existed for many years prior to that - and from the 11th century onwards plain-chant formed the basis for the earliest known use of harmony.  

The Greeks, when [[Alexander the Great]] accepted the surrender of [[Jerusalem]] in his wars of conquest, introduced their own brand of music to the region—which the Jews largely resisted. But music was highly prominent throughout the Greek world—and later in the [[Rome|Roman]] world following Rome's conquest of Greece. The Greeks' contributions to music theory influenced artists for centuries to come, and still have a strong influence today, especially on composers who prefer to adhere to the classical traditions of music.

The Greeks, when [[Alexander the Great]] accepted the surrender of [[Jerusalem]] in his wars of conquest, introduced their own brand of music to the region which the Jews largely resisted. But music was highly prominent throughout the Greek world—and later in the [[Rome|Roman]] world following Rome's conquest of Greece. The Greeks' contributions to music theory influenced artists for centuries to come, and still have a strong influence today, especially on composers who prefer to adhere to the classical traditions of music.

The earliest Greek music was associated with Greek [[theater]]. Beginning with the fall of Rome, however, music became largely liturgical. The primary influence remained the [[Roman Catholic Church]] until the twin movements of the Renaissance and the Reformation, each of which introduced a countervailing tradition.

The earliest Greek music was associated with Greek [[theater]]. Beginning with the fall of Rome, however, music became largely liturgical. The primary influence remained the [[Roman Catholic Church]] until the twin movements of the Renaissance and the Reformation, each of which introduced a countervailing tradition.