Major musical genres. What are the different styles of music? Contemporary music genres list with description




A piece of music in the broadest sense can be called a piece that is the result of the composer's activity. It is characterized by internal completeness, individuality of content and form, fixation of musical notation for further performance. And the concept of "musical genres" is used to characterize various works.

List of major music genres and their brief description

  1. Author's song is a genre in which the performer is at the same time the author of music and words.
  2. Thieves' song - praises the customs and life of the criminal environment.
  3. Blues is a genre that originated among African slaves on the cotton plantations of the United States.
  4. Jazz is a musical genre synthesized from African and European cultures.
  5. European music is a general concept for the music of European countries.
  6. Indian music - belongs to the ancient genres, the music of the peoples of India.
  7. Country music, the so-called country music, is a kind of North American music.
  8. Latin American music is a name that summarizes the genres of Latin America.
  9. Pop music, divided into disco, pop and light music. Disco is danceable, pop is popular music of the masses, light music contains mostly simple catchy melodies.
  10. Rock music is the general name for several types of this rhythmic music. These include such genres of musical art as country rock, suttern rock, heartland rock, garage rock, surf rock, instrumental rock, folk rock, blues rock, rock and roll, psychedelic rock, mersibit, progressive rock, experimental rock, glam rock, hardcore, pub rock. There are also hard rock, punk rock, skiffle, bard rock, Japanese rock, metal, post-punk, stoner rock, alternative rock, post-rock, and also new wave and no wave.
  11. A romance is a small poem sung to music with lyrical content.
  12. Ska - a style with a rhythm of 2 by 4, the even drum beats are emphasized by the guitar, and the odd ones are emphasized by the double bass or bass guitar.
  13. Hip Hop is a working class style from New York City 1974.
  14. Chanson is based on French roots with cabaret performance.
  15. Electronic music - created using electronic musical instruments.

According to the method of performance, musical genres are divided into vocal, solo and vocal-instrumental.

Music genres

Music also has its own genres. Like music genres, they have a rather long list.

  1. Arioso is a little aria.
  2. Aria is an episode performed by a singer in an opera or other similar work with orchestral accompaniment.
  3. Ballad - instrumental compositions; solo vocal compositions with texts of poems.
  4. Ballet is a stage art in which the story is told through dance.
  5. Blues is a jazz song with sad content.
  6. Bylina is a song story in Russian folk style.
  7. Vaudeville is a theatrical play with a funny and humorous content.
  8. A hymn is a song performed in a festive atmosphere.
  9. Jazz is dance music with improvised moments.
  10. Disco is a rhythmic, simplistic style of music.
  11. Invention is a piece of music with an original find of melodic development.
  12. The interlude is a small piece of music.
  13. Intermezzo is a free-form piece or an independent episode in an operetta and other pieces of music.
  14. Kant is a kind of polyphonic song.
  15. A cantata is a solemnly performed vocal and instrumental work.
  16. The march is a piece of music with rhythmic moments.
  17. Musical - a piece of music with elements of operetta, opera, ballet and pop music.
  18. Oda is a musical-style dedication.
  19. Opera is a musical performance.
  20. Operetta is a comedy musical production.
  21. Oratorio - intended for choral performance.
  22. A song is a musical form of a poem.
  23. A play is a short piece of music with a beginning and an end.
  24. Requiem is a choral work of a mourning nature.
  25. A romance is a work of lyrical performance.
  26. Serenade is a song in honor of the beloved.
  27. Symphony is an orchestral piece of music.
  28. Touche is a small musical greeting.
  29. A fugue is a work with multiple repetitions of the theme.
  30. Elegy is a sad piece of music.
  31. An etude is a piece with virtuoso passages.

Music genres are constantly being updated and developed. They are influenced by changing living conditions.

movement of emotions.

Musical drama

Musical style

Musical form

4) as an aesthetic order in musical composition, which manifests itself as form or formlessness.

5) as one of the sections of musical theoretical science.

Thus, two categories of musical form are considered:

a) in the broad sense of the word - as a way of embodying content;

b) in close proximity - as a plan for deploying functionally different sections and parts of a piece of music, which are combined into an integral composition. Otherwise it is called form of composition or compositional plan.

The form of the composition has two sides:

*) external, connected with the musical content, with the genre and theme, as well as with the forms of existence of music, which is especially important for primary genres.

*) internal, associated with the disclosure of the internal organization, its sides, elements.

Composition functions:

1) semantic, due to the content of the work;

2) communicative, aimed at managing listening perception.

Analysis method and its form

The main problem of analysis is the relationship between form and content. Analysis tasks:

a) formulate what feelings, emotions the music expresses;

b) what means were used for this;

c) associate the content with the era that gave rise to this style, genre, work of the composer. The above points can be considered as separate aspects of the analysis and separated into independent forms.

Analysis forms(according to Yu. Kholopov) :

1) Analysis as a practical aesthetics. It consists in following the patterns of music and making judgments. The perception and aesthetic experience of the phenomena of music included in the analysis give a certain part of the analysis the character of a concrete-aesthetic research, practical aesthetics.

2) Analysis-description. This species is of scientific value only when a new phenomenon is described. Description is a retelling of the musical text in well-known terms.

3) Holistic or complex analysis. V. Zuckerman's method. It consists in attracting a wide range of information related to the composition to the analysis. Content and form are considered in an indissoluble unity. Zuckerman: "Analysis is a synthesis of science and art, as it requires not only knowledge, but also sensitivity."

4) Quantitative measurement analysis. This is an analysis in the literal sense of the word, that is, the dismemberment of the whole into elements. This raises a problem because the main object of measurement is inaccurate.

From a broader standpoint, analysis as such cannot be separated from synthesis at all. These are two sides of a single process of thinking and cognition. The analysis should not only be holistic, but value-based, that is, it should detect the presence spiritual connections. Musical analysis does not leave music if it:

*) presents technical means of music as aesthetic

*) preserves the sound form of music, that is, operates with musical examples.

Value analysis reveals the figurative and emotional side of music through an aesthetic experience. In the value analysis method, “means” are interpreted primarily within the framework of the musical form. Hence - the dominant meaning of the concept of form as an object of analysis.

The structure of musical speech

The musical form is characterized by a hierarchy of structure (mutual subordination). The musical form consists of a number of sections, each of which is subdivided into subsections. The period contains the following subsections:

1) sentence - the largest part of the period completed by the cadence;

2) a phrase - a part of a sentence, separated by a caesura;

3) motive - the minimum constructive element of the form associated with one strong beat.

Metric shape structures

For music as a temporary art, proportionality, proportionality of parts is important. In musical form, the following metric structures are distinguished, depending on the number of strong beats:

1) squareness - "4-stroke parts" (Sposobin). Squareness is typical for genres associated with movement (dances, marches);

2) non-squareness - violation of the principle of squareness (3 + 3; 6 + 6 vols.). Typical for Russian folk songs.

Simple two-part form

Simple forms are forms consisting of 2 or 3 parts, each of which is not more complex than a period. The difference from the period is the presence of a developmental section. Simple forms arose from song or dance music. Scope of use - songs, instrumental miniatures, genre and household music.

Simple 2-part form Is a form consisting of two sections or periods, where the first section is the presentation of musical thought, and the second is its development and completion. Simple 2-part forms are divided into contrasting ones A + B and developing A + A1.

1) contrasting (non-repetitive). The structure is singing-chorus, with genre characteristics (rn item "Dubinushka").

2) developmental (reprise): aa1 + ba1, where the second section consists of two constructions: v - updating and development of the topic, the so-called "middle"; a1 - repetition of the second sentence of the first section.

Simple three-part form.

A simple three-part form is a form in which the first part is the presentation of a musical thought, the second part is either its development or the presentation of a new musical thought, the third part is completion with the help of a recapitulation. Depending on the thematic material of the middle part, there are 2 types of a simple 3-part form:

1) developing (one-dark) АА1А. The middle section is characterized by tonal-harmonic instability, avoidance of tonics, deviations, fractional structures, sequences, polyphonization of the theme (Tchaikovsky, "Barcarole").

2) contrast (two-dark) ABA. The middle section is a period of non-expositional type, in which there is no completeness, at the end an unstable harmony accumulates (Tchaikovsky, the romance "Amid the Noisy Ball").

There are two types of reprise:

a) exact (literal, static, da capo);

b) modified - varied, expanded or reduced (rarely).

A variation of the simple three-part form - three-five-part form ABABA (Liszt, "Dreams of Love").

Complex shapes

They consist of 2 or 3 parts, each of which (at least one) is a simple form. Has a pronounced contrast of opposite shaped spheres.

Complex two-part form

Scope of application - chamber vocal, opera music, less often - in instrumental music (Mozart, Fantasia in D minor). It comes in two flavors:

1) non-repertory or reprisal AA1(Bach, WTC II, Preludes No. 2,8,9,10,15,20; Scriabin, Preludes Op.11 No. 3,16,21);

2) contrast AB. ( Bach, WTC I, Preludes No. 3.21). The inequality of the parts contributes to the integrity of the form:

a) 1 part - introductory, 2 - main (Glinka, cavatina and Antonida's rondo from the opera "Ivan Susanin"). Or in the Choir of Hunters (Weber, opera The Magic Shooter): 2nd movement - chorus.

Complex three-part form

It is a reprise form, consisting of 3 parts, each of which is a simple form. This form includes two contrasting images with the subsequent consolidation of the first. History of origin: instrumental and vocal music of the 17th century - dance cycles, aria da capo... Scope of use: middle parts of sonata-symphonic cycles, individual instrumental works, romances, arias, choirs. Varieties:

1) ACA 2) AA1A(arias da capo) 3) ABCA(romantics)

The peculiarity of the first part: lack of contrast - one-dark 2x or 3x particular form.

Historically, there have been two types of middle section:

1) middle part with trio where the presentation of new material prevails over development. This construction is stable, complete in form and tonal-harmonic structure, clearly separated by the caesura from the extreme parts (Rachmaninoff, prelude in G minor)

2) middle part - episode where development prevails over presentation. This construction is tonal, harmonious and structurally unstable, with a smooth transition to a reprise (Tchaikovsky, "February").

For romantics, the distinction between a trio and an episode is blurred.

Types of recapitulation:

1) exact (Mozart, symphony in G minor, 3rd movement)

2) varied (Chopin, Nocturne in D flat major)

3) dynamic, containing a figurative rethinking of the thematic material of the first movement and a new figurative contrast (Chopin, Nocturne in C minor).

Code- a developed post-crisis addition. Performs the final synthesizing function. Main features: tonic organ point, plagal turns.

Variation form

A variation is a form based on the presentation of a topic and its repetition in a modified form: АА1А2 ... The number of parts is not limited. Meaning is the disclosure of various figurative states inherent in the topic.

Origin - associated with folk performing tradition. Scope of use - independent works, parts of sonata-symphonic cycles.

It is necessary to distinguish between variation (this is the way the theme develops) and variation, that is, the variation form.

Historical types of variations:

1) Ancient variations(XVI - XVII centuries). Variations of Basso ostinato. 2 types:

a) passacaglia- the large form, Maestoso. The constant theme in the bass varies.

b) chaconne- chamber, lyrical. Usually part of a large form. The invariable harmonic formula varies.

By the end of the 17th century, the distinction between Passacaglia and Chacona faded away (Bach, Chaconne in D minor; Handel, Passacaglia from suite in G minor, no. 7).

2) Strict variations. Variations of VKSH. Figurative, ornamental variations.

Theme features:

1) middle register, 2) moderate tempo, 3) chord texture,

4) clear functionality of the theme, 5) song and dance character of the theme,

6) the form is a simple two-part, less often - a 3-part, even less often - a period.

Variation principle: reproducing the theme as a whole, enriching it with details.

The theme changes: melodic pattern, rhythm, texture, tempo, etc.

Remain unchanged: harmonic plan, shape , tonality (can be replaced once by the same name or parallel).

Methods for developing a melody: a) ornamentation, b) chant, v) variant transformation. (Mozart, Sonata in A major, No. 11, 1st movement).

3) Free variations. They established themselves in the work of romantic composers at the beginning of the 19th century. Genre-characteristic variations. Each variation is like an independent piece based on the theme. The theme is just an excuse to create contrasting images. The principle of variation: the element of the theme is an object of independent development (Rachmaninov, "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini").

Double variations.

These are variations on two themes. Themes can vary as each separately, and in turn (Glinka, "Kamarinskaya").

Glinka variations(soprano ostinato).

The theme remains unchanged, the accompaniment changes (Glinka, Persian choir from the opera Ruslan and Lyudmila).

Sonata form

The sonata form is a form in which the 1st section (exposure) is based on the tonal contrast of two main themes. Section 2 (development) develops them intensively. The third section (reprise) brings the themes into tonal unity.

The sonata form is the highest among instrumental homophonic forms, having absorbed the features of all other forms. Due to the complicated structure, the sonata form is able to reflect bright figurative contrasts, embody complex content in development, and show a qualitative change in images.

The sonata form was finally formed in the work of the composers of the Art School. Used in the extreme parts of sonata-symphonic cycles, as a form of one-part programmed orchestral works (overture, fantasy, painting, poem), as a form of an opera overture. It rarely occurs in vocal music (Ruslan's aria from the opera Ruslan and Lyudmila by Glinka).

The sonata form contains three obligatory sections: exposition, development and coding. In addition to them, there may be additional ones - an introduction and a code.

Exposition

This is a show of musical images, a plot of the drama. Based on the tonal (thematic) contrast of the main and secondary parts. It is necessary to distinguish between the concepts of a party and a theme: a party is a section of an exposition or a reprise. A theme is a musical material that characterizes an image.

Main party- more often of an active, strong-willed nature (movement along chord sounds, impulsive rhythm). It often contains an inner contrast of various elements.

Side batch- more often of a lyrical nature. Usually it is a melodious genre-dance theme. Sometimes the side part consists of several themes (Beethoven, "Heroic" symphony, 1 movement). Often a side batch contains a break (shift) - the introduction of elements of the main batch, a linking batch. This introduces tension, anticipates the drama of the development.

Typical tonal ratios:

Ch.p. (in major) - wp. (in the key of D)

Ch.p. (in minor key) - wp. (in parallel major)

In addition to the main and secondary parties, the exposition contains tie batch , which tonal and thematically connects the main part with the side part, discharges the energy accumulated in the main part. The main sign of the connecting party is tonal instability. The connecting part can be of different scales: from developed constructions to a short string (Schubert, "Unfinished" symphony, 1 movement).

Final batch- sums up the exposition, consolidates the tonality of the side part. It is built more often on the material of the themes of the exposition, less often on a new topic.

Development of

This is the development and culmination of musical action. The contrast of the themes in the exposure is either deepened or smoothed out. More often, the development is based on the theme of the main party, as more active and internally conflicting. The main techniques for developing the topic:

1) splitting the theme into elements and their tonal, harmonic, textured, register, timbre development.

2) polyphonization of the theme.

Development can consist of several sections, each with its own culmination (the so-called waves). The last section, based on the accumulation of energy of an unstable function, is called precursor. The emergence in the development of a new theme, which did not sound in the exposition, is called episode(Shostakovich, "Leningrad" symphony, 1 movement).

Reprise

This is the denouement of the musical action, in which there is a convergence of themes on the basis of tonal unity. A reprise of the sonata form is:

1) accurate (Beethoven, symphony No. 3, 1 movement)

2) dynamic - a figurative rethinking of the themes of the exposition; the beginning of the reprise coincides with the culmination of the development (Shostakovich, symphony No. 7, 1 movement)

3) mirrored (Chopin, ballad No. 1, G minor)

4) incomplete, with the missing main part, which appears in the coda (Chopin, Sonata No. 2, B flat minor).

Code

Its function is to sum up the results of development, bring the contrast into unity, and affirm the main idea. The stronger the contrast in the exposure, the more dynamic the development in development, the greater the value of the code. The sonata form code can be similar to the second design. Usually, the coda is built on the thematic material of the exposition, less often on a new topic.

Rondo Sonata

It is an intermediate form between the rondo and the sonata form. Scheme : AVA S AV1A, where ABA- exposure, WITH- episode , AB1A- a reprise. The middle (central) episode can be replaced by the development of the preceding themes. According to V Zuckerman's definition, “Rondo sonata is a type of rondo with three (occasionally four) episodes, in which the extreme episodes thematically and tonally are in the same ratio as the side parts of the exposition and reprise of the sonata form. Varieties:

1) if the central episode WITH- the development of the themes of the exposition, then this view approaches the sonata form,

2) if the central section WITH- episode, then - to rondo.

Signs of the sonata form:

*) tonal contrast of themes A and V at the beginning and their tonal unity at the end

*) episode V- not an intermediate construction, but the opposition of Ch. as an independent party

Difference from sonata form:

*) repetition of Ch. etc. at the end of the exposition and reprise

Rondo signs:

*) carrying out the refrain at least three times

*) genre-dance theme

Difference from rondo:

*) repetition of a new episode in a new key.

Scope: finals of sonata-symphonic cycles, sometimes - as independent pieces. The introduction is not typical for the rondo sonata, the coda is possible. Beethoven, sonata no. 8, finale, middle section - episode. Mozart, sonata no. 17, finale, middle section - development).

Cyclic forms

A cyclical form is a form consisting of several complete contrasting parts united by a common concept.

There are two types of cyclic forms:

1) suite, in which the contrast of the parts prevails,

2) sonata-symphonic (vocal-symphonic, vocal, instrumental) cycle, in which the main thing is the unity of the cycle.

Suite.

This is a cyclical work consisting of a number of plays of different characters. Historical types of suites:

1) Antique suite (partita). XVI-XVIII centuries. Consists of four dances:

a) allemand(German dance) - slow tempo, 4/4, polyphonic;

b) chime(French dance) - moderate tempo, 3/4, polyphonic;

c) sarabanda(Spanish dance) - slow tempo, 3/4, chord texture;

d) gig(English dance) - fast paced, triplet rhythm. In addition to the main dances, additional dances were sometimes introduced into the suite - gavotte, minuet, bure, etc. The suite was opened with a prelude or toccata. (Bach, English, German, French suites).

2) Suite VKSH ... Main genres: cassations, divertissements, serenades (Mozart, "Little Night Serenade"). There is a rejection of compulsory dance and rapprochement with the sonata-symphonic cycle.

3) New suite (2nd quarter of the 19th century). Its features: the great importance of programmaticity, the unification of parts by a certain plot, an increase in the contrast of the parts (Schumann, "Carnival"). The suite can be composed of the main musical numbers of a performance, ballet, opera (Grieg, "Peer Gynt").

Sonata-symphonic cycle

The sonata-symphonic cycle includes the genres of symphony, sonata, concert, quartet. The classical sonata-symphonic cycle consists of 4 movements, including Allegro in sonata form, a slow movement, a minuet (later a scherzo) and a finale. There is no minuet in the genres of concert and sonata. The compositional unity of the parts of the cycle is manifested in the tempo organization of the whole, in tonal-harmonic, thematic and figurative connections.

The parts of the sonata-symphonic cycle are, as it were, phases of the disclosure of the concept of the composition as a whole. Each part of the cycle has its own typical genres and forms:

1 part(sonata Allegro) - sonata form.

Part 2(Andante, Adagio) - complex 3-part form, sonata form without development, variation form, sometimes rondo.

Part 3(Minuet) is a complex 3-part form.

Part 4(Finale) - sonata form or rondo (rondo sonata).

Tonal connections: the extreme parts are written in the same key or of the same name, the 2nd part - in the key of S, of the same name or parallel. The third part is in the main key.

Free and mixed forms

These are non-cyclical musical forms that do not fit into the typical forms of classical and romantic music, or combine features of various forms. Free forms differ from mixed forms in that in mixed forms the sonata form is combined with other forms. In free forms, suite forms are combined with other forms. Free forms are associated with genres of entertaining instrumental music (Strauss waltzes, potpourri). Rondality often becomes the guiding principle. Each new musical image has a complete form. Free forms are typical for essays with a program.

Free forms of the Baroque era - organ and clavier fantasies and related genres. A characteristic feature of free forms of the 2nd half of the 18th century is a mixture of homophonic and polyphonic features.

The increased importance of free and mixed forms in the 19th century (ballads, poems, rhapsodies) is determined by the aesthetics of romanticism. They are characterized by a detailed exposure of contrasting themes, an increase in the intensity of development, the transformation and convergence of images, the dynamization of the reprise-code part.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, free forms are based on an idea that influences the form (program). Individual “composition of the form” became the principle of composition in the second half of the 20th century.

Polyphonic forms

1) imitative, based on the development of one theme.

2) non-imitative (contrasting), based on the simultaneous combination (contrasting) of various themes.

Polyphony originated in the 14th century as a kind of church music for a capella choir. The main polyphonic genres: fugue, fughetta, richercar, invention, etc.

Fugue

Fugue is the highest form of imitation polyphony. The main compositional elements of the fugue: theme, answer, opposition, interlude (the construction between the conductions of topics based on the development of the elements of the topics) and Stretta (imitation introduction of the topic in one voice before ending it in another).

A fugue usually consists of three sections:

1 section- exposure. This is a consistent entry of votes with a topic in a T-D ratio. Between the 2nd and 3rd performances of the theme, as well as after the entire exposition, interludes sound.

Section 2- development, based on carrying out the theme in subordinate keys. Theme and Sideshow transformations are used.

Section 3- a reprise. Begins with the return of the theme (in the main key), which is carried out in all voices.

Stretta is widely used in the reprise.

A fugue on one theme is called simple, on two themes - double, on three - triple. Double and triple fugues can be with separate or joint exposure. A fugue can have a two-part structure: 1 section - exposition, 2 section - free.

Fughetta - a small fugue, of a less serious character. Based on simple types of simulation.

Features of shaping in vocal and choral music

The synthesis of text and music leads to the fact that individual parts of the vocal form are less complete than in the instrumental forms. Thus, the initial periods of vocal forms often end in a half cadence. Often there is a non-square structure of the initial periods that is free in relation to the internal structure.

Another feature of vocal forms - their low suitability for thematic development - is associated with two reasons:

2) with a uniform metric and structural structure of the poetic text.

This is one of the reasons for the rare use of the sonata form in vocal music.

The uniform structure of a poetic text can lead to the fact that in the middle the structure of expositional constructions is preserved, but with tonal-harmonic, melodic, textured variation. The so-called "variant middle" appears.

More often than in instrumental music, there are also variant reprises in vocal music.

For vocal forms, the interpenetration of various principles of shaping is very characteristic, leading to synthetic forms.

Among the special forms of vocal music, there are 3 main types that have turned out to be historically very stable:

1) couplet form

2) varied shape

3) end-to-end vocal form.

Music is a complex and difficult art form to understand, because music, unlike other art forms, is directed exclusively to auditory perception. There are different points of view on the question of what constitutes the content of music:

1) “Music is something entirely innate, internal, not requiring any experience derived from life” (I. Goethe).

2) G. Laroche: "Music reflects the general spirit of the era."

3) E. Ganslik: “There is no content in music” (that is, there is no information). "Musical content is the movement of sound forms."

4) B. Asafiev: "Fugue is the queen of logic."

5) First of all, music reflects the emotional world of a person. Emotion itself does not matter, the emotional world is always in motion. Thus, the basis of music is movement of emotions. According to L. Mazel, there should be a unity of emotion and thought in music, that is, emotion must be comprehended, and thought must be felt.

We recognize musical content with the help of intonation hearing, which is a kind of "communication organ". Intonational ear distinguishes 4 emotional states of its interlocutor-music:

a) Call - abruptly, progressively, without hesitation (upward movement);

b) Request - plaintively, uncertainly (downward movement);

c) Play - lively and easily, masterly (motor movement);

d) Meditation - calmly, measuredly (returning to the same turns).

Musical drama

This is a system of expressive means and techniques for the embodiment of dramatic action in works of the musical stage genre (opera, ballet, operetta). At the heart of musical drama are the general laws of drama as one of the types of art: the presence of a pronounced central conflict, which is revealed in the struggle between the forces of action and reaction; a certain sequence of stages in the development of a dramatic concept (exposure, initiation, development, culmination, denouement). These general patterns find a specific refraction in each of the types of musical and dramatic art, according to the nature of their expressive means, and the role of music determines a number of features of their composition, which is different from the construction of literary drama.

In the course of historical development, certain forms have developed that serve to embody the stage action: in opera - recitative, aria, arioso, ensembles, choirs. In ballet - classical and character dances, ensembles. These forms do not remain unchanged. Thus, operatic drama is enriched by some methods of symphonic development (leitmotifs, etc.). In the works of musical stage genres, there are signs of variation, roundness, sonata.

The concept of drama is also applied to works of instrumental music. Thus, drama is one of the specific forms of symphonism (since the method of symphonism is nothing more than a method of dramatic formation of thematicism).

Musical genres and principles of their classification

In revealing the content of a musical work, the role of genre is important. As a rule, genre by genre mean the social role of music, the conditions of being, the conditions of the means of performance. Genres are historically formed types, types, varieties of musical works, which are combined and delimited according to a number of characteristics.

In Russian musicology, V. Tsukkerman and A. Sokhor dealt with the problem of the genre. Zuckerman distinguishes genres according to the nature of their content - lyrical, narrative-epic, motor, painting-pictorial. Sokhor delimits genres based on the conditions of performance, existence - everyday (everyday), mass household, concert, theatrical. This is the most general classification of genres, within them there can be subdivisions (Bobrovsky defines them as "secondary genres").

Genres can also be categorized into simple and complex. Simple ones - song, dance, march. They are also subdivided into smaller ones (songs - labor, lyric, etc. Marches - funeral, military, etc.). Simple genres are otherwise called everyday (everyday), which emphasizes their utilitarian purpose. Complex genres can be categorized by performing medium:

1) instrumental genres - symphonic, chamber, solo music

2) vocal genres - choral, ensemble music, solo with accompaniment

3) mixed instrumental-vocal genres - cantatas, oratorios

4) theatrical genres - operas, ballets, operetta, etc.

Musical style

Musical style (from the Latin "stylos" - a writing stick, that is, a way of presentation) is the concept of aesthetics and art history, which fixes the systematic nature of expressive means. In aesthetics, the category of style appeared at the end of the 16th century in connection with the differentiation of professional music, previously predominantly cult. In the 17th century, style was meant to describe the genre and national schools. Since the 17th century, a broader meaning has been added - the style of the historical period (polyphonic style and a new style - homophonic-harmonic). In the 19th century, the concept of style takes on a narrow meaning - the composer's individual manner of writing. In the 20th century, due to the sometimes sharp differences between different stages of the work of one composer, the style determines any period of the author's work, or a separate work.

The concept of a musical style has an evaluative meaning, indicating the unity, organic relationship of the expressive means of the work, the ratio of the traditional and innovative in the individual composer's language.

Musical form

The concept of "form" in music is used in several meanings:

1) as an aesthetic-philosophical category, that is, the musical embodiment of the content or an integral organization of the means of musical expression (melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, etc.) aimed at the embodiment of the content. This is a form in the broadest sense of the word.

2) as a musical concept, that is, a type of composition, a form-scheme according to Asafiev, a form of composition (for example, a sonata form, a fugue, etc.).

3) as an individual, unique look of a musical work. Asafiev: “There is only one sonata scheme, and there are as many forms of its manifestation as there are sonata forms themselves”.

In addition to regular collections, and, we are fond of more niche subgenres, which we willingly talk about with the help of thematic collections. For example, you can check out popular songs or immerse yourself in the atmosphere or.

Electronic fans can check out the latest in the scene, selected through a study of the planet's top charts. The collections contain trendy bass music, popular club hits and after the hectic nightlife events.

Further, we have grouped genre music according to more situational criteria - for example, you can download relevant music or for a quiet evening in the company of connoisseurs of this style. For fans in the section there are ready-to-download playlists of both classic compositions from the 90s, and more specific folk for fans of this genre.

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Continuing the cycle of articles on music theory, we would like to tell you about how genres in music were formed and developed. After this article, you will never again confuse a music genre with a music style.

So, first, let's look at how the concepts of “genre” and “style” differ. genre Is a type of work that has developed historically. It implies the form, content and purpose of the music. Musical genres began their formation at an early stage in the development of music, in the system of primitive communities. Then music accompanied every step of human activity: everyday life, work, speech, and so on. Thus, the main genre principles were formed, which we will analyze below.

Style it also implies the sum of materials (harmony, melody, rhythm, polyphony), the way in which they were used in a piece of music. Typically, the style is based on the influences of a particular era or is classified according to composers. In other words, style is a collection of means of musical expression that determines the image and idea of ​​music. It may depend on the personality of the composer, his worldview and tastes, and his approach to music. Also, the style determines the trends in music, such as jazz, pop, rock, folk styles and so on.

Now let's get back to the genres of music. There are five main genre principles, which, as we said, originated in primitive communities:

  • Motor power
  • Declamation
  • Chanting
  • Signaling
  • Sound image

They became the basis of all subsequent genres that appeared with the development of music.

Pretty soon after the formation of the basic genre principles, the genre and style began to intertwine into a single system. Such genre-style systems were formed depending on the case for which the music was created. This is how genre-style systems appeared, which were used in certain ancient cults, for ancient rituals and in everyday life. The genre had a more applied character, which formed a certain image, style and compositional features of ancient music.

On the walls of the Egyptian pyramids and in the surviving ancient papyri, lines of ritual and religious hymns were found, which most often told about the ancient Egyptian gods.

It is believed that ancient music received its highest point of development in Ancient Greece. It was in ancient Greek music that certain patterns were discovered on which its structure was based.

With the way the society developed, so did music. In medieval culture, new vocal and vocal instrumental genres have already formed. During this era, genres such as were born in Europe:

  • Organum is the earliest form of polyphonic music in Europe. This genre was used in churches, and it flourished in the Parisian school of Notre Dame.
  • Opera is a musical and dramatic work.
  • Chorale - liturgical Catholic or Protestant singing.
  • Motet is a vocal genre that was used both in church and at social events. His style depended on the text.
  • Conduct is a medieval song, the lyrics of which were most often spiritual and moralizing. Until now, they cannot accurately decipher the medieval notes of conducts, since they did not have a certain rhythm.
  • Mass is a liturgical service in Catholic churches. Requiem is also included in this genre.
  • Madrigal is a small work on lyrical love themes. This genre originated in Italy
  • Chanson - this genre originated in France, and initially peasant choral songs belonged to it.
  • Pavana - the flowing dance that opened up holidays in Italy
  • Galliarda is a fun and rhythmic dance also originally from Italy
  • Allemande - a procession dance that originated in Germany

V XVII-XVIII centuries in North America, rural music - country music - developed quite actively. This genre is heavily influenced by Irish and Scottish folk music. The lyrics of such songs often told about love, rural life and cowboy life.

At the end of the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century, folklore developed quite actively in Latin America and Africa. In the African American community, the blues is emerging, which was originally a "work song" that accompanied work in the field. The blues is also based on ballads and religious chants. Blues formed the basis of a new genre - jazz, which is the result of a mixture of African and European cultures. Jazz has become quite widespread and widespread.

Based on jazz and blues, rhythm and blues (R'n'B), a song and dance genre, appeared in the late 40s. He was quite popular among young people. Subsequently, funk and soul appeared within the framework of this genre.

It is curious that along with these African American genres, the pop music genre appeared in the 1920s. The roots of this genre go back to folk music, street romances and ballads. Pop music has always blended with other genres to form some pretty interesting musical styles. In the 70s, the disco style emerged as part of pop music, which became the most popular dance music at the time, overshadowing rock and roll.

In the 50s, rock bursts into the ranks of already existing genres, the origins of which are in blues, folk and country. It quickly became wildly popular and expanded into many different styles, mixing with other genres.

Ten years later, the reggae genre was formed in Jamaica, which became widespread in the 70s. Reggae is based on mento, a genre of Jamaican folk music.

In the 1970s, rap appeared, which was “exported” by Jamaican DJs to the Bronx. The founder of rap is the DJ Kool Herc. Initially, rap was read for pleasure, in order to throw out their emotions. The basis of this genre is the beat, which sets the rhythm of the recitative.

In the second half of the 20th century, electronic music established itself as a genre. It is strange that it did not receive recognition at the beginning of the twentieth century, when the first electronic instruments appeared. This genre involves the creation of music using electronic musical instruments, technology and computer programs.

The genres that emerged in the 20th century have many styles. For instance:

Jazz:

  • New Orleans Jazz
  • Dixieland
  • Swing
  • Western swing
  • Bop
  • Hard bop
  • Boogie Woogie
  • Cool or cool jazz
  • Modal or modal jazz
  • Avant-garde jazz
  • Soul jazz
  • Free jazz
  • Bossa Nova or Latin American Jazz
  • Symphonic jazz
  • Progressive
  • Fusion or jazz rock
  • Electric jazz
  • Acid jazz
  • Crossover
  • Smooth jazz
  • Cabaret
  • Minstrel show
  • Music hall
  • Musical
  • Ragtime
  • Lounge
  • Classic crossover
  • Psychedelic pop
  • Italo disco
  • Eurodisco
  • High energy
  • Nu-disco
  • Space disco
  • Yeh-yeh
  • K-pop
  • Europop
  • Arab pop music
  • Russian pop music
  • Rigsar
  • Laika
  • Latino pop music
  • J-pop
  • Rock'n'roll
  • Big Bit
  • Rockabilly
  • Cycobilly
  • Neorocabilly
  • Skiffle
  • Doo-wop
  • Twist
  • Alternative rock (Indie rock / College rock)
  • Mat rock
  • Madchester
  • Grunge
  • Shoegazing
  • Brit-pop
  • Noise rock
  • Noise Pop
  • Post-grunge
  • Lo-Fi
  • Indie pop
  • Twi-pop
  • Art rock (Progressive rock)
  • Jazz rock
  • Kraut rock
  • Garage rock
  • Freakbeat
  • Glam rock
  • Country rock
  • Mersibit
  • Metal (Hard Rock)
  • Vanguard metal
  • Alternative metal
  • Black metal
  • Melodic Black Metal
  • Symphonic Black Metal
  • True Black Metal
  • Viking metal
  • Gothic metal
  • Doom metal
  • Death metal
  • Melodic death metal
  • Metalcore
  • New metal
  • Power metal
  • Progressive metal
  • Speed ​​metal
  • Stoner rock
  • Thrash metal
  • Folk metal
  • Heavy metal
  • New wave
  • Russian rock music
  • Pub rock
  • Punk rock
  • Ska punk
  • Pop punk
  • Crust punk
  • Hardcore
  • Crossover
  • Riot folk
  • Pop rock
  • Postpunk
  • Gothic rock
  • No Wave
  • Lines
  • Psychedelic rock
  • Soft rock
  • Folk rock
  • Techno rock

As you can see, there are many styles. It will take a lot of time to list a complete list, so we will not do this. The main thing is that you now know how modern popular genres appeared and you will definitely no longer confuse genre and style.

Found antique objects with images of various instruments and performers testify to the emergence of music in ancient times. This means that even then, music was recognized as the most important means of creation, as well as the expression of feelings and emotions.

Concept and functions

In general understanding, music is a specific type of human sound activity. It makes it possible to express thoughts and volitional manifestations of a person in an audible form. Music, like culture in general, plays a defining social and psychological role. Aimed at society and the individual, it is a tool for the formation of various qualities. Depending on many factors, including what tendencies and types of music prevail in society, it can serve both as a means of cultural formation and, on the contrary, as a means of suppressing aesthetic components. Thus, among the functions, we can distinguish such functions as:

Educational;

Aesthetic;

Organizer;

Compensating;

Entertaining.

With the help of music, you can influence the qualities and moods of a person. So some melodies form fortitude and courage, so to speak, mobilize inner strength. Other types of music, on the other hand, pamper or tune into a romantic mood.

The main types of music

Musical culture is incredibly diverse and, accordingly, there is a certain classification based on temporal as well as spatial factors. There are such types of music as ethnic, classical, jazz, blues, pop music, hip-hop, rock, country, punk, reggae, modern, electronic and instrumental music. In turn, these areas are subdivided into separate subspecies. For example, ethnic singles out the styles of music of various peoples of the world: Russian melodies, Spanish, Gypsy, Celtic, etc.

Rock music is represented by such styles as rock and roll, alternative rock, punk and techno rock, Russian rock. There are also so-called mixed genres, including disco, funk, rhythm and blues. This diversity is a consequence of the ability of the human person to individually express his inner world and the ability to master various aspects of a single sound space.

Music as an art form

For good reason, music is considered one of the art forms. It has a strong effect on the perception and subconscious level of the area of ​​the soul and mind of a person. This type of creative activity is distinguished by the ability to transform the spiritual awareness of society according to the laws of beauty and moral values.

As in any other art, musical content is inextricably linked and depends on the historical, national, aesthetic ideals of the era and the creator himself. In it, the reunification and interaction of mental, sensual, intellectual, empirical, cultural principles of society and the individual is possible. Music as an art form is inextricably linked to concepts such as value, inspiration and beauty. Also, many identify it with the nature of the absolute spirit.

Classical and sacred music

Most often, classical music includes works created in a certain historical period in art. The works of this direction meet the highest artistic requirements and combine depth, meaningfulness and the concept of perfection of form. They are written according to certain rules and canons, while maintaining the necessary proportions.

The main instruments used to perform classical music are spiritual, strings, keyboard instruments. Also, this music is diverse in genres - it includes symphonies, suites, operas, sonatas, as well as sacred music. These types of music have stood the test of time and have a large audience in modern society.

Modern directions

Contemporary music is so diverse and multifaceted that it is difficult even to reduce all genres to a single logical classification. Some of them are interesting from a cultural point of view, while others are from a commercial point of view. If we talk about the last factor, then first of all we mean pop music. On the one hand, it can include any popular music: hip-hop, rock, jazz. However, the narrower meaning of this concept implies a number of specific characteristics. Basically, they are determined by the simplicity and melodic arrangements, where the emphasis is on vocals and rhythm, rather than the instrumental component. Also types of modern music include R'n'B genre, disco, ragtime, chanson.

Electonic music

Undoubtedly, one of the most widespread and popular trends in contemporary music is electronic music. It is created using electronic equipment such as a synthesizer, computer, sampler, or drum machine. This type of music includes about two hundred styles. The most famous of them are club music and are played in discos, clubs, etc. Also electronic music includes techno, house, trance, dubstep.

Lounge is another popular style. This term is translated as "light background sounding". Lounge music tracks jazz influence, bossa nova, electronic direction, as well as improvisation. Basically, such music creates a light unobtrusive mood in bars, cafes, hotels, shops.

Different types of music have distinctive structural and cultural characteristics, appeal to different audiences, and fulfill individual tasks and functions.