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Light music facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Light music is a type of music that's often called "easy listening." It's usually calm and pleasant, perfect for relaxing. This style started in the United Kingdom in the 1800s. It became super popular in the middle of the 20th century, especially for radio and public events.

Light music was often played at fun places like seaside resorts. It usually featured orchestras playing popular songs. The goal was to create music that many people would enjoy and find easy to listen to.

Light Music on the Radio

In the 1930s, the BBC started playing music on the radio. This helped light music become very popular. In 1945, the BBC Light Programme began. It had many famous shows.

One very popular show was called Friday Night is Music Night. The BBC Concert Orchestra played music for this show. Another well-loved programme was Music While You Work. These shows brought light music into homes across the country.

Is Light Music Still Popular Today?

Today, light music is sometimes seen as a bit old-fashioned. Other types of music are more popular now. For example, music from movies is very popular. Music from musicals is also enjoyed by many people.

Famous Composers of Light Music

Many talented people wrote light music. Eric Coates is a great example. His piece "By the Sleepy Lagoon" became the famous theme tune for a radio show called Desert Island Discs. Another composer, Arthur Wood, wrote "Barwick Green." This piece became the theme for the long-running radio show The Archers.

In the United States, composers like Leroy Anderson and George Gershwin wrote popular light music pieces. Light music is similar to what people in Europe call Salon Music (or Salonmusik in German).

Well-Known Light Music Composers

Images for kids

  • Eric Coates - Suite in Four Movements

    The cover of Eric Coates's autobiography. He is often called the "King of Light Music."

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Música ligera para niños

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Light music Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.