Howard Goodall strips music down to its essential parts to find out how it works.
Why does melody affect us so deeply, from the moment we are born? Tunes touch our deepest emotions, and are capable of inspiring love, sorrow, faith, and hope. But how does a melody actually work?
Melody: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFC019DB4E1400743
Why do some rhythms make us want to dance, while others make us feel tranquil? How does rhythm ‘work’ when there is no obvious pulse, as in much classical music? What links African drumming to J S Bach? Why do virtually all popular singers sing ahead of the beat?
Rhythm: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD22A163254D058A0
In this film Howard looks at how western harmony works, and how, in the present day, it has fused with other forms of music to create new styles.
Harmony: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB65B121D5BDB43BE
Music is usually broken down into melody, rhythm and harmony. But what about the very lowest notes in music, that can have an impact on all three?
Bass: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL64F4C249A2A64340