Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its
common elements are pitch, rhythm, dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre
and texture. The word derives from Greek μουσική. The creation, performance,
significance, and even the definition of music vary according to culture and
social context. Music ranges from strictly organized compositions, through
improvisational music to aleatoric forms.
Music can be divided into genres and subgenres, although the
dividing lines and relationships between music genres are often subtle,
sometimes open to individual interpretation, and occasionally controversial.
Within "the arts", music may be classified as a performing art, a fine
art, and auditory art. It may also be divided among "art music" and
"folk music". There is also a strong connection between music and
mathematics. Music may be played and heard live, may be part of a dramatic work
or film, or may be recorded.
