The Current Era of Music: A Time of Diverse Influences and Breakthroughs
The musical period can be traced through six distinct eras, each marked by unique characteristics and artistic movements. However, we find ourselves currently residing in the Post 'Great War' Years (1920-present), a period characterized by the diversification of musical styles and the departure from traditional tonality.
The Evolution of Musical Periods
From the Medieval period (1150-1400), characterized by the use of plainchant and early polyphony, to the Post 'Great War' Years (1920-present), we have seen a transformation in the way music is composed, performed, and perceived. This era is marked by the introduction of diverse styles, shifting tonalities, and the integration of new technologies.
The Post 'Great War' Years can be further divided into several sub-periods, each with its own unique characteristics:
Sub-Periods in the Post 'Great War' Years
Impressionist (1890 - 1925): This period saw composers like Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel experimenting with new tonalities and textures, often using unconventional harmonies and exploring atmospheric effects.
Expressionist (1908 - 1950): Composers such as Alban Berg and Arnold Schoenberg broke away from traditional tonality, focusing on emotional expression through dissonance and atonality.
Modern (1890 - 1975): This period encompassed a wide range of styles, from the radical innovations of early 20th-century atonalism to the post-war experiments in serialism and electronic music.
Contemporary: 1945 - present: The contemporary period exhibits even greater diversity, with composers drawing from world music, technology, and various other influences. This era is marked by atonal and polytonal compositions, as well as the frequent use of dissonance and unconventional tunings.
The Shift in Musical Tonality
The shift from tonal to atonal music represents a significant departure from previous eras. While earlier periods relied heavily on tonal harmony, the contemporary period often eschews this, instead embracing atonality and a lack of harmonic structure. This allows for a broader range of expressive possibilities and innovative compositions.
Dividing the Contemporary Period
Within the contemporary period, we can further distinguish between:
20th-Century Contemporary Classical Music
This era is characterized by a high degree of diversity, with no dominant style. Composers frequently employed dissonance and lacked traditional harmonic structures, leading to a more experimental and innovative approach to music composition.
21st-Century Contemporary Classical Music
The 21st century continues this trend, with various styles influencing contemporary classical music. These include minimalism, experimentalism, and fusion genres such as world music and electronic music. The integration of technology has also played a significant role in shaping modern compositions.
The Impact of Technology and the Internet
Since World War II, the invention of digital recording technology and the widespread use of the internet have transformed the landscape of music. These innovations have enabled a more fluid and diverse state of music, allowing for simultaneous and fluid composition and distribution.
The post-Great War era can be divided into three main trends:
High Modernism and New Complexity
High modernism and new complexity have characterized much of 20th-century classical music, with composers like Igor Stravinsky and Elliott Carter pushing the boundaries of musical structure and form.
Textural and Timbre Music
Textural and timbre music emerged as a distinct trend, emphasizing the unique sounds and textures of instruments and voices. This approach often involves exploring microtonal scales and creating intricate, complex textures.
Eclectic and Post-Modern
The eclectic and post-modern trend represents a blending of various styles and influences, often incorporating elements from popular music, world music, and other genres. This trend has led to a more diverse and inclusive musical landscape.
The Future of Music
It is clear that we live in a unique time, with the advent of digital technology and the internet creating a more fluid and diverse musical environment. The current era of music is marked by a continued evolution in style and technique, reflecting the diverse influences and breaking traditional boundaries.
While rock music remains a popular favorite, we see a blending of genres with genres like metal, rock, hardcore, rock screams, and alternative music coexisting with hip hop and RB. This fusion of styles is likely to continue, shaping the future of music in unprecedented ways.
The internet has made it easier for musicians to publish and distribute their work, gain fans, and connect with a global audience. This has fostered a sense of independence and freedom in the music industry, leading to a more open and diverse musical landscape.
In summary, the current era of music is marked by a diverse array of influences and innovations, with technology and the internet playing a crucial role in shaping the future of music.