The Evolution of Music
Music is an inseparable part of human life. It has been a critical part of many civilizations and cultures, from long ago to the present. Its history is fascinating to explore, particularly its evolution that tells of the impact of the changing world on music. This article will focus on the evolution of music, from Gregorian chant in the Middle Ages to modern hip-hop.
Gregorian Chant
Gregorian chant is monophonic chant that derives its name from Pope Gregory I, who lived around the sixth century and is credited with reworking the chant melodies during his papacy. Gregorian chant is set to no exact metre and most of it hasn’t changed in over 1,000 years. It consists of a melody set to words taken from the Bible and played in unison. The melodies are sung a capella, meaning without any instruments. Listening to the chant is a spiritual experience and its strong emotions will shake you to the core. It was the first type of musical system that grew out of the preexisting oral tradition of reciting liturgical texts in a focused, meditative fashion.
The Middle Ages
The Middle Ages saw the rise of polyphony, which is when songs have more than one melodic line. Music consisted of folk songs and dances, as well as brief polyphonic works for voices, organs and harpsichords. The most popular form of polyphony was organum, where two or more vocal lines were used to extend and enhance harmony. Religious polyphony was especially prevalent, with choirs of singers performing syncopated pieces with multiple vocal lines that provided the foundation for masses, requiems, and liturgical pieces of the time.
Baroque Music
Baroque music was introduced around 1600 and gained in popularity throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. It features the contrast between the slow, ornate bass line and the bright and creative upper lines. Notable composers included Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi. Baroque musicians and performers were not only skilled musicians, but excellent showmen as well. Their performances were always enjoyable and they used the latest musical and theatrical technology to add to their show. The main musical forms during this period were the opera and musical suites.
Classical Music
Classical music is an art form that has evolved over centuries and reached its apex during the classical period. It can be divided into three main eras: The Classical Period (1750-1820), The Romantic Period (1820 -1900), and The Modern Period (1900 – present). From the end of the 18th century, composers wrote in a more emotional and romantic style, so much so that some people refer to this era as “The Age of Emotion”. Instrumental forms such as the sonata, the symphony, and the concerto rose to prominence during this period. Classical music remains popular to this day and is still used in films, television shows, and other media.
Romanticism and Modernism
Romanticism was an artistic and intellectual movement that peaked during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The main characteristic of this period was an emphasis on expression and emotion rather than on structure. It favored extended forms such as the opera, the symphony, and the concerto. Romantic works often referred to or alluded to the natural world, with themes of love, passion, loss, and despair being commonly used.
Modernism was heavily influenced by the Romantic era and its key feature was a rejection of the formal structure in favor of experimentation and exploration. Composers such as Arnold Schoenberg, Igor Stravinsky, and Jean Sibelius were famous for their avant-garde works that challenged the traditional forms. Modern composers also used new technologies such as recording, which allowed them to get creative with sounds, adding unexpected elements to their music.
Jazz
The birth of jazz can be traced back to African American populations in the 19th century. The music was an African American form of folk music, combining blues, ragtime, and spirituals. Jazz performers used improvisation and syncopated rhythms to create a unique genre of energetic and lively music that quickly became popular across the world.
Once jazz grew in popularity, several subgenres developed, such as:
• Swing: Swing was popular from the twenties through the forties, featuring big band groups with saxophone players, trumpetists, and trombonists.
• Bebop: Bebop was an experimental form of jazz that featured fast tempos, virtuosic soloists, and sophisticated harmony.
• Cool Jazz: Cool jazz was popular in the late 1950s and the 1960s. It had a laid-back sound, with melodic lines and arrangements.
• Modal Jazz: Modal jazz abandoned chord progressions in favor of modal pieces featuring improvisation.
• Fusion: Fusion jazz was a mix of jazz, funk, and rock.
Rock and Roll
Rock and roll emerged in the 1950s and was popularized by Elvis Presley. It was a mix of little-known genres such as rhythm and blues and western swing, combining electric guitar, bass, and a drum kit. It had a much heavier sound than other genres, with many electric instruments in the mix. It had a rebellious image that appealed to young audiences, and it quickly gained in popularity, thanks to its catchy melodies and lyrics.
Throughout the decades, rock and roll evolved into several subgenres, such as hard rock, heavy metal, punk rock, and alternative rock.
Hip-Hop
Hip-hop emerged in the late 1970s, with DJs scratching and looping songs on turntables. Rapper MC was one of the first to rap and made a strong impact on the genre. Soon, graffiti and breaking became associated with the culture. Other early innovators included Run-DMC, the Sugar Hill Gang, and Public Enemy.
Since then, hip-hop has grown to be one of the most popular genres in the world. Its foundation lies in storytelling, with raps discussing everything from politics to the struggles of the everyday life. The genre has spawned many subgenres, such as rap, reggae, trap, crunk, and g-funk.
The history of music has always been a reflection of the lives and situations of its performers. The music of each era has its own distinct sound, from the reflective chords of the Baroque music to the party anthems of hip-hop. Each genre has contributed to the evolution of music, with the emergence of new styles and subgenres constantly reinventing and refreshing the music landscape. Through its development, music has become an integral part of many cultures, and its evolution will continue to fascinate us all for many years to come.
