At the beginning of the semester I had only a vague idea of ​​the impact classical music had on history. Throughout this course, I was constantly surprised by the things I learned about different eras of music. We talked a lot about how society worked in each of these periods and what kind of expectations musicians had to meet. The songs I selected are the few that moved me with their beautiful arrangements and profound impact on society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay My favorite piece of the semester, Josquin's "Kyrie" for his Missa Pange Lingua, shaped the music produced while under the control of the Catholic church. In the early Middle Ages this polyphonic piece was sung during mass as part of the regular litanies of the great service. This music is important because the composition of this work marks one of the first times the organum appeared and changed the way of life of the church. Originally, the medieval church community was very bothered by the vocal impermanence of polyphony and the idea that secular music merged with sacred music and appeared in the church. They thought the harmonies were too frivolous to be worshiped and disturbed the audibility of the lyrics. But as important religious leaders began to accept the change, it gave sacred music a more lighthearted feel and eradicated the serious worship to which the church was accustomed. This piece stands out because it demonstrates how beautiful the music of the divine office became once the organum was accepted; it's a great contrast to the dull, monotonous drone of the opening chants. Another piece that I really liked was Symphony No. 5 by Beethoven. Initially, I didn't like the piece because I had listened to Movement 1 so many times over the years, but I really fell in love with it after listening to Movement 2. Listening to the entire work made me appreciate Movement 1 again because of the raw emotion that Beethoven sows in his music. Unlike other composers of his time, he really saturated the composition with his thoughts and feelings caused by his true mental state. Beethoven looked carefully at society and criticized it by becoming an outcast and creating magnificent music that differed from everyone else's. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay These pieces not only changed the way society viewed music at the time, but the way I view music now – a thousand years later. And anyway it was done by a deaf person. I mean, really, I can't even compose something that amazing and I have hearing ability in not just one, but TWO ears. This course has really changed my perspective on music and now I have some songs on my iPod because I really like them.