The inquiry delves into the definition and ancestry of music: what constitutes music, and where did it originate?

Music, a human creation, is organized sound primarily used for emotional expression or achieving beauty. Throughout history, its potency and importance in human lives have been evident, as attempts to control and censor it suggest.

From the ancient Greek mythology, the Muses, daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory, were considered the divine protectresses of music. They were the source and knowledge of all literature, science, and the arts, including music.

The word 'music' can be traced back to the Latin word 'mūsica', which comes from the ancient Greek word 'mousiké'. This translates literally as 'art of the muses'. Over time, the myths of the nine muses' powers have changed, with Polyhymnia starting to be seen as residing over music more than any other muses.

Throughout history, music has been used in rituals, ceremonies, and religious services, serving as a form of entertainment. Its role in religion and ceremonies is to help those who create or encounter it to have greater reverence towards that religion or occasion.

In Ancient Greece, rhythm, melody, and harmony were the key elements of music. Rhythm is often provided by drums or percussion instruments, while a melody is the tune of a piece of music that can be hummed. Harmony is dictated by the chords a piece of music is built from.

Music has been banned and censored throughout history due to its potent intersection with social evolution and cultural revolution. The Taliban government in Afghanistan banned all Western technology and art, including music, and during the Khmer Rouge dictatorship in Cambodia, all music was banned. Certain songs are censored and banned regularly in countries all over the world.

In more recent times, music's role in film and theatre can be seen as an emotion-driving one, used to reflect or draw out, and fundamentally influence, human emotion. Charles Darwin proposed that music could have evolved in a similar way to mating calls in the animal kingdom, suggesting a biological basis for its existence.

For some scholars, music is a natural extension of language. It provides pleasure, aids social cohesion, and communication, which are indirectly crucial for survival. Music has been used to express complex human emotions, to tell stories, and to create shared experiences, making it a powerful tool for human connection.

In conclusion, music, as an art form and a means of communication, has played a significant role in human history. Its power and importance continue to be felt today, making it a vital part of our cultural and emotional lives.