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Playlist
The evolution of music
How did music transform into what it is today? A brief journey through time, sound and rhythm.
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15:43
David Byrne
How architecture helped music evolve
15 minutes 43 seconds
As his career grew, David Byrne went from playing CBGB to Carnegie Hall. He asks: Does the venue make the music? From outdoor drumming to Wagnerian operas to arena rock, he explores how context has pushed musical innovation.
19:56
Michael Tilson Thomas
Music and emotion through time
19 minutes 56 seconds
In this epic overview, Michael Tilson Thomas traces the development of classical music through the development of written notation, the record, and the re-mix.
16:40
Mark Ronson
How sampling transformed music
16 minutes 40 seconds
Sampling isn't about "hijacking nostalgia wholesale," says Mark Ronson. It's about inserting yourself into the narrative of a song while also pushing that story forward. In this mind-blowingly original talk, watch the DJ scramble 15 TED Talks into an audio-visual omelette, and trace the evolution of "La Di Da Di," Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick's 1984 hit that has been reimagined for every generation since.
14:20
Alexis Charpentier
How record collectors find lost music and preserve our cultural heritage
14 minutes 20 seconds
For generations, record collectors have played a vital role in the preservation of musical and cultural heritage by "digging" for obscure music created by overlooked artists. Alexis Charpentier shares his love of records -- and stories of how collectors have given forgotten music a second chance at being heard. Learn more about the culture of record digging (and, maybe, pick up a new hobby) with this fun, refreshing talk.