Contemporary classical music refers to a genre of music that emerged in the late 20th century and continues to evolve today. It encompasses a broad range of styles, techniques, and approaches, and is characterised by its experimental and innovative nature. We explore the history, emergence, instruments, and melody of contemporary classical music in this post.
History of Contemporary Classical Music
Contemporary classical music has its roots in the experimental music of the mid-20th century, which sought to break free from traditional Western musical structures and conventions. Composers such as John Cage, Karlheinz Stockhausen, and Pierre Boulez pioneered new techniques such as aleatoric (chance) music, electronic music, and serialism.
As the 20th century progressed, these experimental techniques began to be incorporated into mainstream classical music. Composers like Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and Terry Riley helped to popularise minimalist music, while others like Arvo Pärt and John Tavener drew on religious and spiritual traditions to create contemplative and meditative works.
Emergence of Contemporary Classical Music
The emergence of contemporary classical music can be traced back to the 1960s and 1970s, when composers began to experiment with new forms, techniques, and instruments. The advent of electronic music and the use of computers in music composition opened up new possibilities for creating complex and innovative works.
Contemporary classical music is also characterised by its interdisciplinary nature, with many composers collaborating with dancers, visual artists, and writers to create multimedia works that combine music, movement, and text.
Instruments and Melody in Contemporary Classical Music
Contemporary classical music is known for its use of unconventional instruments and techniques, as well as its incorporation of non-Western musical traditions. Some contemporary composers have created works that feature instruments such as the theremin, the prepared piano (a piano with objects placed on or between the strings), and even everyday objects like kitchen utensils.
Melodically, contemporary classical music can range from complex and dissonant to simple and minimalist. Many contemporary composers use repetition and variation to create hypnotic and meditative works, while others use aleatoric techniques to create music that is entirely unpredictable and spontaneous.
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