music history
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music history
The historical development of music from its beginnings to the present, including its styles, periods, composers, and instruments. It refers both to history itself and to the academic discipline that deals with it.
Johann Sebastian Bach ist eine der wichtigsten Figuren der Musikgeschichte.
Johann Sebastian Bach is one of the most important figures in music history.
The word is a clear compound of 'die Musik' (music) and 'die Geschichte' (history). So it literally means 'the history of music'.
Im Studium befasst er sich mit der deutschen Musikgeschichte.
In his studies, he focuses on German music history.
To specify a particular period or region, the genitive or a construction with 'von' (of/from) is often used. This narrows the focus of the music history being discussed.
Die Musikgeschichte des Barock ist faszinierend.
The music history of the Baroque period is fascinating.
Common verbs in this context are 'sich befassen mit' (to deal with / focus on), 'studieren' (to study), or 'erforschen' (to research). An important phrase is also 'in die Musikgeschichte eingehen' (to go down in music history), which means to become historically significant.
Die Beatles sind in die Musikgeschichte eingegangen.
The Beatles went down in music history.
musicology
'Musikgeschichte' and 'Musikwissenschaft' both have to do with academic thinking about music. But 'Musikgeschichte' is narrower: it is mainly about the development of music, periods, composers, styles, and instruments. 'Musikwissenschaft' is broader. It studies music in general, including theory, meaning, culture, and many other questions. The words can be confused because music history can be part of musicology. When it is about the past of music, 'Musikgeschichte' fits. When it is about the entire university subject, 'Musikwissenschaft' is more precise.
Im Kurs lernen wir, warum Bach für die Musikgeschichte so wichtig ist.
In the course, we learn why Bach is so important for music history.
Julian studiert Musikwissenschaft und verbringt viel Zeit in der Bibliothek.
Julian studies musicology and spends a lot of time in the library.