How music grew, from prehistoric times to the present day

by Marion Bauer

"How Music Grew from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day" by Marion Bauer and Ethel Peyser is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the evolution of music, tracing its development from prehistoric times through various cultures and eras up to the contemporary period. It aims to provide an engaging and accessible introduction to the origins and growth of music across civilizations, making it suitable for readers of all ages. The opening of the book establishes a foundational understanding of music's birth, illustrating a time when early humans lacked language, formal structures, and civilization as we know it. It emphasizes the connection between music, dance, and the daily experiences of prehistoric peoples, suggesting that their initial expressions of music emerged as ritualistic acts to communicate with deities and convey emotions. The authors introduce the concept that movement and sound were essential to early music-making, setting the stage for further exploration of how these primitive practices evolved into the intricate musical systems of later cultures worldwide.