1. Musical genres

 

History of Reggae originated in the late 1960s in Jamaica and is closely tied to the local culture and the Rastafari movement. This genre developed from earlier Jamaican music styles, such as ska and rocksteady. 

 

One of the most popular reggae artist who popularized the genre worldwide with songs like "No Woman, No Cry" and "One Love" is Bob Marley. As well as Peter Tosh who was a member of The Wailers group alongside Bob Marley, known for his powerful vocals and socially conscious lyrics.

 

 

The largest reggae festival in the world is Reggae Sumfest. It is annually held in Montego Bay, Jamaica. First Reggae Sumfest took place in mid-July in 1993. On average, every summer over 100,000 people from all around the world attend the seven day festival.

 

Listen to an example of reggae music:

 

 

 

Blues is an American music genre that originated in the southern United States in the late 19th century from African American work songs, spirituals, and ballads. Blues was one of the first music styles to influence jazz and rock music. 

 

B. B. King was known as the "King of the Blues", famous for his virtuosic guitar playing and unique style. An influential blues artist was Muddy Waters who helped popularize Chicago electric blues. 

 

 

Largest free blues festival in world is Chicago Blues Festival, which is held annually in Chicago, USA. It was created by Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Lois Weisberg and the first festival began in 1984, a year after the death of McKinley Morganfield, better known as Muddy Waters, who was then considered "The father Chicago Blues".

 

Listen to an example of blues music:

 

 Video 2: Blues music

 

Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer whose works, such as the 9th Symphony, are materpieces of classical music. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, an Austrian composer, is known for his brilliant operas and symphonies, such as "The Marriage of Figaro". 

Elīna Garanča is a world-famous mezzo-soprano opera singer from Riga, Latvia. She quickly gained international recognition after winning the Mirjam Helin International Singing Competition in 1999. Garanča has performed in leading opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Vienna State Opera, and the Royal Opera House in London. 

 

 

 

Salzburg Festival is one of the most prestigious classical music festivals, held annually in Salzburg, Austria, Mozart's birthplace. It was established in 1920 and held each summer for five weeks. 

 

Listen to an example of classical music:

 

 

 

Rock music emerged in the 1950s in the United States, combining elements of blues, rhythm and blues (R&B), and country. It has evolved into many subgenres, such as hard rock, punk rock and alternative rock. 

 

Two British band have taken the lead in the rock world. The Beatles had a revolutionary impact on the music world with albums like "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". In the 1960 they adopted the name Beatles and started their way to the top. Other well known band is Led Zeppelin who are considered one of the pioneers of hard rock. English rock band formed in London in 1968 and are one of the most best-selling music artists of all time, with estimated record sales of between 200 and 300 million units worldwide. 

 

 

Glastonburry Festival is one of the largest and most famous five day music festivals in the world, held in England and featuring artists from various genres, including rock music. Festival first happened in 1970 and on average the festival is attended by more than 210,000 people.

 

Listen to an example of rock music:

 

 

Country — [ˈkʌn.tri] — kantrī

 

Country music began in the early 1920s in the Southern United States. It was a mix of traditional folk music, blues and church music. In the 1940s and 1950s, new star like Johnny Cash emerged. His songs talked about everyday life, love and heartbreak. Today, country music is popular all around the world.

 

Country music began to influence Latvian music in the late 20th century. It was mainly brought to Latvia by Western media, including radio, television and later, the internet. While country music is not the most popular genre in Latvia, a few artists and bands have embraced it. Sestā Jūdze is one of Latvia's most well-known country music band. They have been active since the early 2000s. Their music combines traditional country elements with Latvian themes and lyrics.

 

Listen to an example of country music: