The Music of 20th Century - Essay Example

20th century music The music of 20th century was diverse in form, with wide experimentation and innovative musical styles. Besides, its unique identity was distinct from other musical styles of the19th century. It was a rebellion against current trend of music composition and an extension of late Romantic style. One can discover immense examples for the influence of Folk and Popular music in classical music composers of the 20th century. Folk music, the term coined by Johann Gottfried Herder in 18th century, was explained as a music genre transmitted orally by peasants and rural singers. Later, it was explained as a particular kind of popular music. Popular music or simply Pop music, another branch of music is defined as the part of popular culture, with a number of musical styles and wide commercial distribution. It is interesting to observe that both the Folk and Pop music influenced the Classical music, which is described as the music of emotion, with strict rules on composition and singing. Thesis statement: Influence of Folk and Popular music on classical music composers during the twentieth century. Influence of folk music on classical music composers When one listens to the classical compositions of the 20th century, it is apparent that it is deeply influenced by Folk music. Besides, the prominent classical composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms made use of Folk themes in their compositions. For instance, some of Beethoven’s important compositions are improvised form of Folk music and his Pastoral Symphony was influenced by Yugoslav dance melody. Brahms used themes from small village folk songs. Other important Classical composers like Vaugher Williams (England), Bartok (Hungary) and Kachaturian (America) are influenced by English folk music, Hungarian Folk music and American Indian/ African Folk music respectively. Earlier, Folk music was the only mode of sharing and performing of music by the entire community. Later, the Classical composers used Folk music to add a national character to their compositions. So, it is apparent that folk music deeply influenced the classical music composers. Influence of pop music on classical Pop music, which is an amalgam of other important music genres, with the help of its multicultural characteristics allow absorbing themes from a variety of sources. In the work-‘Pop music: technology and creativity : Trevor Horn and the digital revolution’ Timothy Warner reflects that: “ While British writers seem able to make clear distinctions between pop and rock, their American counterparts- as several important studies suggest- do not perceive such marked contrasts between the two.” (Warner 3) the British writers made a division between pop and rock into two different categories but the American writers consider pop and rock as same. This confirms that pop music is defined differently on historical and geographical background. Besides, it is clear that postmodern (reaction against modernist music), minimalist (most popular experimental music) and Post minimalistic music (originated from minimalist music), and classical music are deeply influenced by Pop music. But there was also a reverse influence in which the pop artists like Justin Timberlake, Madonna etc, made use of other musical genres, say Classical music, with their own tunes. From the perspective of a classical music lover, it is clear that pop songs/ music influenced classical musical composers. For instance, members of Rock bands, like ‘Lake and Palmer’ were classical composers also. Pop music is a strong cultural force, touching people and societies beyond national & international boundaries. Earlier, classical music was the undisputed master of world music scenario. But strict rules and practices diminished its popularity. The vacuum created by the absence of classical music was filled by pop music. In addition, pop music embraced or transformed almost all existing forms of music. So, it is imminent that the division between classical and pop music is narrow and the influence of Pop music is clear. Effect of Folk and Pop music on Classical music Folk music is considered as the mother of all music genres in the world. As it is the oldest form of music which is transmitted and transferred from generation to generation through oral form, there is no wonder to see that it influenced classical music. But the influence of Pop music on Classical music is more evident because its influence is deep and long lasting. The foundation of Classical music is its strict rules and practices and it was not ready to accept ideas from other forms of music. But Pop music is entirely different and was ready to accept anything from other music genres and cultures. For instance, one can trace American Indian folk music influence and traditional African tribal music in pop. This unique characteristic of acceptance or ‘give and take policy’ helped it grow beyond Classical music. Besides, these are the effects of Pop music on Classical music. 1. The younger generation, which is supposed to be the audience of Classical music, is already attracted by pop music. 2. The market of Classical music is saturated and the penetrating power of pop music into the younger generation is immense. 3. Pop music is ready to provide different types of music according to the needs of the modern world. 4. The innovative marketing techniques of Pop music through different media helped it to be more popular than Classical music. 5. The ever growing popularity of Pop music hinders the growth of Classical music. 6. The pop music artists/composers ornament their music through different ways, even by acquiring some elements of Classical music. But Classical singers fail to ornament their music. 7. Earlier, Classical music was a little bit flexible. For instance, some of the Classical composers were ready to incorporate folk and popular music to their compositions. But now, classical music has become more and more rigid and this attitude resulted in the problem of less popularity among younger generation. 8. Pop music is an amalgam of different music genres and this co-ordination provide immense freedom to the composers and singers. But the Classical music composers are forced to follow strict rules related to composition. So, it is unmistakably proved that the innovative attitude of Pop music to acquire anything from other music genres helped it to be a prominent force in the music world. The popularity of Pop music limited the scope of Classical music because the younger generation is attracted towards different divisions of Pop music like Rock, Rap, Jazz, Country, Hip-Hop etc. By summing up, it is visible that the 20th century music was a revolt against traditional rules of music. But pop music with its diverse branches succeeded the older genres of music. As the classical music is not yet ready to shed its inhibitions and change its strict rules and practices, its scope is limited in the 21st century. The folk music influenced classical music composers because it is the oldest traditional music genre with immense public appeal. But Pop music gained some elements from classical music and deeply influenced it. Innovative marketing techniques and open attitude towards other music genres assisted Pop music to be in the top of the music world. Still, there is scope for classical music because the audience is not yet ready to discard the classical music totally. To gain popularity, classical music composers must be ready to incorporate innovative techniques and they can transform classical music to a new form of music based on traditional rules and practices. Works cited Warner, Timothy. Pop music: technology and creativity: Trevor Horn and the digital revolution. Ash gate Publishing, 2003. Read More