The Role of Music The world is constantly evolving and the world of music is no exception. Music has always been with people as it does not simply entertain, but it provides “insight into human experience as it extends over time” (Kerman & Tomlinson xxvi). From tribal dances to medieval clerical choirs and from refined concerts of the age of Enlightenment up to the contemporary pop concerts, the world of music transformed into new forms but never ceased to exist. It is important to note that music has been performed in a variety of ways. Different ambience, surrounding and types of music performed at concerts throughout centuries reveal peculiarities of a given epoch. To understand the connection between music performance and the epoch, it is possible to consider a concert in the late eighteenth century and a concert of hip-hop music in the early twenty-first century. Types of Music In the first place, it is necessary to focus on the types of music that existed in the late 18 th and early 20 th centuries. The end of the 18 th century is regarded as classical period of Western music history (Kramer 58). The melody was the focus of the composer. Music pieces of that time were characterised by harmony and melody. Mozart is one of the most prominent representatives of that period. His works are musical masterpieces where one major theme is recurrent. Even though there are some outbursts, the major theme prevails. Of course, each piece is an example of best traditions of instrumental music, which evolved for centuries. String, keyboard and percussion instruments are central to this epoch. It is important to note that Mozart created numerous concertos for piano, so keyboard instruments played a really significant role at that period. As far as hip-hop is concerned, the focus is made on the meaning of the song, i.e. the lyrics. Of course, the major theme is also significant as people enjoy listening to the melody when the singer is not rapping. Percussion plays the central role and percussion instruments are more tangible. As far as other instruments are concerned, any instrument can be used. Remarkably, music recordings are often used during hip-hop concerts. Synthesiser can be the only instrument used at a hip-hop concert. More so, performers often practice free style, which is a form of improvisation when music is not used at all. The beat is crucial; the melody is a bit subordinate, so-to-speak, though it often provides the necessary accents, emphasis, mood, etc. Nonetheless, sometimes hip-hop concerts can be held along with an orchestra, though these cases are quite rare. It is also important to note that though hip-hop has a lot of features of classical western musical tradition, it has different roots. More so, it is possible to state that hip-hop is a combination of different traditions (Kerman & Tomlinson 406). Hip-hop is rooted in African motifs and jazz (which is also based on African musical traditions). It is also based on Jamaican musical tradition. Ambience and Surrounding Classical Music Johnson states that music was often “the object of distracted listening” (58). Nonetheless, the author also stresses that the setting was still rather formal at a concert o