The history of music is as old as that of humankind. Despite various revolutions, the different genres of music have stood the test of time. Music plays an imperative role in keeping members of society entertained hence its value. Music can make people excited, relaxed, and calm, depending on the situation. However, the main importance of music includes the reduction of stress, the elevation of mood, relieves symptoms of depression, stimulation of memories, easing of pain, and increasing workout endurance (Kramer, 2007). Therefore, music has been an integral part of society over the years. However, a close examination of the concept of music reveals that there are various genres of music with different characteristics and used in various contexts. However, the main genres of music include; county music, classical music, folk music, popular music, hip hop music, rock music, amongst others (Porter, 1971). The different genres of music have a different history and are loved by people of different ages. However, the introduction and subsequent use of technology have improved the quality of music with many technology-aided music accompaniments introduced. Modern music is, therefore, greatly influenced by technology. This study, therefore, intends to offer a comprehensive discussion on classical music and contemporary music. It will define the two music genres, highlight their characteristics, and identify the similarities between the two genres. Lastly, it will explain the differences between classical and modern music.
Classical music refers to the formal musical tradition of the Western world, often considered different from Western folk music or popular music traditions (Árnason, Arnason & Briem, 2014). Classical music is highly regarded as music made before the 19th century. However, classical music is divided into six main genres; baroque, avant-garde, chamber music, choral, chant, classical crossover, high classical, and early music (Kramer, 2007). The six genres of classical music share striking similarities, albeit with notable differences. Classical music forms share distinctive elements such as; tonal harmony, simplicity, enlarged ensembles, and single-line melodies (Árnason, Arnason & Briem, 2014). An important feature that distinguishes classical music from other genres of music is its employment of idealized shapes and figures and treating its subjects in a non-anecdotal and emotionally neutral way (Porter, 1971). Unlike classical music, modern era music has witnessed immense changes in musical taste and style. Modern music is, therefore, music produced during and after the 19th century (Porter, 1971). Contemporary music composers have extensively explored untraditional sounds while basing their music on rhythm, tone, color, and texture instead of the more traditional aspects of harmony and melody (Árnason, Arnason & Briem, 2014). Modern music is defined as breaking all old-style aesthetic conventions, thus unchecking complete freedom in all artistic dimensions, including tune, rhythm, and harmony progression (Porter, 1971). Therefore, modern music has unleashed imperative changes and revolutions in the music sector, thereby introducing a lot of freedom to the music composers.
Similarities between Classical and Modern Music
Despite being composed at different times in history, classical and modern music share remarkable similarities. However, classical and contemporary music compare in various ways and have similarities. Both music genres include the use of instruments. Musical instruments and accompaniments are highly used in classical music, just like modern music (Árnason, Arnason & Briem, 2014). Despite both genres using tools, the type of instruments used slightly differs from classical to contemporary music. Classical music uses percussion instruments with multiple players on separate devices.
On the other hand, modern music has a drum player and two percussionists playing exotic percussion instructions (Al-Azzo & Al-Sabaawi, 2014). Classical and contemporary music is equally an enormous part of the music. Both of these music categories compare and contrast in many different ways to make the music we know and love today. Another imperative similarity between classical and modern music periods is that both periods developed the sound through the use of a stringed section as well as a winds section (Adorno, 2020). The strings in these orchestras were self-contained and the wind instruments filled in the gaps.
Classical music greatly represented the type of life led by people during the period. Classical music presented and highlighted the various elements of life and culture hence representing the culture of people and their way of life during such periods. Modern music also represents the type of life led by people in the modern Era. Modern music greatly uses and embraces technology, a crucial part of contemporary life. Most of the musical accompaniments and instruments used in contemporary music are technology-aided hence effectively representing the modern Era of life (Johnson, 2002). Therefore, modern music was popular with people during the classical Era as contemporary music was during modern-day times.
Differences between Classical and Modern Music
Classical and modern music have numerous differences that spell out the variations between the two. Classical music is characteristically considered music made before the 19th century, whereas modern music is music created after the 19th century (Griffiths, 2010). The biggest difference between the two genres of music is, therefore, the historical period during which the two genres were created. Secondly, both genres of music are enormously different in their use of instrumentation, proposal, form, style, and creation method (Al-Azzo & Al-Sabaawi, 2014). The musical instruments used before and after the 19th century are greatly different.
Regarding purpose, the main purpose of classical music is to entertain a seated audience besides stimulate listeners both intellectually and emotionally (Johnson, 2002). However, most of the modern music is created for dancing and hence not appropriate for a sitting audience. Dancing was, however, uncommon with classical music. Modern music is also used in commercial advertisements and jingles more frequently than classical music.
Method of creation is another important element that highlights the differences between classical and modern music. The composition of the two genres of music greatly differs. Classical music is generally long, unlike contemporary music, short in form (Al-Azzo & Al-Sabaawi, 2014). Moreover, classical forms are created by introducing the main themes and motifs developed throughout a piece. On the other hand, modern music uses fewer ideas and motifs often not mentioned in the introductory stages of the music (Adorno, 2020). Most modern music does not focus on any particular theme but instead stresses entertainment from the musical accompaniments. The style used in the two genres of music further highlights their differences. Classical music has numerous nuances to style compared to modern music. In classical music, more emphasis is placed on emotion and interpretation performers, while in contemporary music, emphasis is placed on emotion expression improvisation (Griffiths, 2010). Creativity is therefore greatly encouraged in contemporary music, unlike in classical music. Technology has played a great role in the style and purpose of modern music, unlike classical music.
In conclusion, it is right to infer that music plays a special role in society. Over the years, the music genres have undergone great revolutions and changes. Despite the changes and processes in the music industry, the message and function of music remain the same. The great categories of music that share remarkable similarities and differences are classical and modern music. The biggest difference between classical and contemporary music is that classical music was created before and during the 19th century, while contemporary music was created after the 19th century. However, more studies should be conducted to help expound on the two genres giant genres of music.
References
Adorno, T. W. (2020). Philosophy of modern music. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Al-Azzo, M. F., & Al-Sabaawi, K. I. (2014). Comparison between classical and modern methods of the direction of arrival (DOA) estimation. International Journal of Advances in Engineering & Technology, 7(3), 1082.
Árnason, K., Arnason, A., & Briem, K. (2014). Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders among Icelandic music students: differences between students playing classical vs. rhythmic music. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 29(2), 74-79.
Griffiths, P. (2010). Modern music and after. OUP USA.
Johnson, J. (2002). Who needs classical music?: cultural choice and musical value. Oxford University Press on Demand.
Kramer, L. (2007). Why classical music still matters. University of California Press.
Porter, D. H. (1971). Ring-Composition in Classical Literature and Contemporary Music. The Classical World, 65(1), 1-8.
write