新世纪研究生公共英语听力原文lesson1-lesson7..docVIP

新世纪研究生公共英语听力原文 Lesson One Passage 1 American Music One of Americas most important exports is her modern music. American music is played all over the world. It is enjoyed by people of all ages in every country. Although the lyrics are in English, people who dont speak English can enjoy it too. The reasons for its popularity are its fast pace and rhythmic beat. Music has many origins in the United States. Country music, coming from the rural areas in the southern United States, is one source. Count music features simple themes and melodies describing day-to-day situations and the feelings of country people. Many people appreciate this music because of the emotions expressed by country music songs. A second origin of American pop music is the blues. It depicts mostly sad feeling reflecting the difficult lives of American blacks. It is usually played and sung by black musicians, but it is popular with all Americans. Rock music is a newer form of music. This music style, featuring fast and repetitious rhythms, was influenced by the blues and country music. It was first known as rock-and-roll in the 1950s. Since then, there have been many forms of rock music: hard rock, soft rock and others. Many performers of rock music are young musicians. American pop music is marketed to a demanding audience. Now pop songs are heard on the radio several times a day. Some songs have become popular all over the world. People hear these songs sung in their original English or sometimes translated into other languages. The words may differ but the enjoyment of the music is universal. Passage 2 Music in Different Cultures In western culture, music is regarded as good by birth, and sounds that are welcome are said to be music to the ears. In some other cultures, for example, the lslamic culture, it is of little value, associated with sin and evil, In the West and in the high cultures of Asia, it is said that there are three types of music. First classical mus