Reflections on early pop music. Pop music's earliest roots can be traced back to Medieval French troubadours, who were among the first masters a popular song, and known for writing folk songs about love and courtship. Elements of their music, along with influence from a variety of local folk traditions, later inspired classical European composers to utilize this type of art in their compositions. This concert will explore pop music of the mid-twentieth century, when interest in popular song saw another magnificent renaissance in Europe. During this time, singer/songwriters like Edith Piaf and Tino Rossi became widely favored, partly due to the general public’s increased enjoyment of gathering in coffee houses, pubs, and night clubs to dance and listen to live music. Featuring Placido Domingo, Jr., son of the renowned opera singer and member of The Three Tenors.