Classification of musical genres. Modern music genres

The emergence of music in ancient times is evidenced by the found antique objects depicting various instruments and performers. 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 a general sense, music is a specific type of human sound activity. It makes it possible to express a person’s thoughts and volitional manifestations in an audible form. Music, like culture as a whole, plays a decisive 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 trends and types of music prevail in society, it can serve as a means cultural formation, and vice versa, a means of suppressing aesthetic components. Thus, among the functions we can distinguish such functions as:

Educational;

Aesthetic;

Organizing;

Compensating;

Entertaining.

With the help of music you can influence the qualities and moods of a person. Thus, some melodies build resilience and courage, so to speak, mobilize internal strength. Other types of music, on the contrary, pamper or set one in a romantic mood.

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 divided into separate subtypes. For example, ethnic music distinguishes the styles of music of different 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 personality to individually express his inner world and the possibility of mastering various aspects of a single sound space.

Music as an art form

It is not without reason that music is considered one of the art forms. It has a strong impact on the perception and subconscious level of the human soul and mind. 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 the mental, sensory, intellectual, empirical, cultural principles of society and the individual is possible. Music as an art form is inextricably linked with 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. Works of this direction meet the highest artistic requirements and combine depth, content and the concept of perfection of form. They are written according to certain rules and canons, while maintaining the necessary proportions.

The main instruments with which classical music is performed are wind instruments, string instruments, and keyboard instruments. This music is also diverse in genre - 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

Modern music is so diverse and multifaceted that it is difficult to even reduce all genres to a single logical classification. Some of them are interesting from a cultural point of view, while others are interesting 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 presupposes a number of certain characteristics. They are mainly determined by the simplicity and melody of the 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.

Electronic music

Of course, one of the most widespread and popular areas of modern 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. Electronic music also includes techno, house, trance, and dubstep styles.

Another popular style is Lounge. This term is translated as “light background sound”. Lounge music traces jazz influence, bossa nova, electronic direction, as well as improvisation. Basically, such music creates a light, unobtrusive mood in bars, cafes, hotels, and shops.

Different types of music differ in characteristic structural and cultural features, are aimed at different audiences and perform individual tasks and functions.

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You have found yourself in the music genres section, where we will get acquainted with each musical direction in more detail. We will describe what it is, why it is needed and what features it has. Also at the very end there will be articles in this section that will describe each direction in more detail.

What are music genres

Before discussing what genres of music are, the following should be mentioned. We need a certain coordinate system so that we can put all phenomena into it. The most serious and global level in this coordinate system is the concept of style or art-historical system.

There is a style from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque or Romanticism. Moreover, in each specific era, this concept covers all arts (literature, music, painting, and so on).

However, music has its own categories within each style. There is a system of genres, musical forms and means of expression.

What is a genre?

Each era gives musicians and listeners a certain set of stage venues. Moreover, each site has its own rules of the game. These sites may disappear over time or remain for some time.

New groups of listeners with new interests are emerging - new stages are emerging, new genres are emerging.

Let's say, in the era of the European Middle Ages, until approximately the end of the 11th century, the only such stage for professional musicians was the church. Time and place of worship.

This is where the genres of church music take shape. And the most important of them (mass and mathet) will go far into the future.

If you take late Middle Ages the era of the Crusades, then a new stage appears here - a feudal castle, a feudal courtyard of an aristocrat, a court holiday or simply a place of leisure.

And here the genre of secular song arises.

For example, the 17th century literally explodes with fireworks of new musical genres. Here things arise that go far ahead of our time and will still remain after us.

For example, opera, oratorio or cantata. In instrumental music, this is an instrumental concerto. Even such a term as symphony appears. Although maybe it was built a little differently than it is now.

Genres of chamber music emerge. And underneath all this lies the emergence of new stage venues. For example, an opera house, a concert hall or a richly decorated salon of a city aristocratic house.

Before you start, be sure to start exploring different directions. This then translates very well in practice. It will be especially useful when creating something new!

Musical form

The next level is musical form. How many parts are there in the product? How is each part organized, how many sections are there and how are they connected to each other? This is what we mean by the concept of musical form.

Let's say opera is a genre. But one opera can be in two acts, another in three, and there are operas in five acts.

Or a symphony.

Most familiar European symphonies are constructed in four movements. But let’s say that Berlioz’s symphony Fantastique has 5 movements.

Expressive means

The next level is a system of musical expressive means. Melody in its unity with rhythm.

Rhythm is the deep organizing force of all musical sound. It underlies the existence of music. Because through rhythm, human life is connected with reality, with the cosmos.

Many labor movements are rhythmic. Especially in agriculture. Much is rhythmic in the processing of stone and metals.

The rhythm itself appears, perhaps, before the melody. We can say that rhythm generalizes, and melody individualizes.

The feeling of rhythm, like some kind of magic, arises in the very early stages of civilization. And later, in the era of antiquity, such a feeling is recognized as an idea of the universal connection of phenomena, which is rhythmic.

Rhythm is associated with number. And for the Greeks, number was an extremely important idea of the world order. And this whole idea of rhythm stuck for a very long time.

At the beginning of the 17th century, the German composer Michael Pritorius spoke of the early Italian experiments in opera (there was no ordered rhythm): “This music is without connections and measure. She is an affront to God’s established order!”

The nature of the movement is fast, brisk, moderate and calm. They also set the tone for any superstructure that is made on them. There is also a sense of universal connection here. 4 sides of movement character, 4 cardinal directions, 4 temperaments.

If we go into even more detail, then this is timbre or sound coloring. Or let's say how the melody is pronounced. Distinctly dissected or coherent.

Melody, rhythm and everything else appears as a direct emotional response to reality. And they take shape in those infinitely distant times in the primitive communal system, when a person has not yet realized his own self in comparison with other selves or with nature.

But as soon as class society appears, a distance arises between one’s self and other selves, between self and nature. And then music genres, musical forms, and styles begin to take shape.

Genres of chamber music

Before talking about the genres of chamber music, let's understand the direction. Chamber music is music performed by a small number of performers for a small number of listeners.

Previously, such music was very often performed at home. For example, with family. This is where they came up with the name chamber. From Latin camera means room. That is, small, home or room music.

There is also such a thing as a chamber orchestra. This is a smaller version (usually no more than 10 people) of a regular orchestra. Well, there aren’t many listeners either. Usually these are relatives, acquaintances and friends.

Folk song- the simplest and most widespread genre of chamber music. Previously, very often many grandparents sang various folk songs to their children and grandchildren. The same song could be sung with different words. As if adding something of your own.

However, the melody itself generally remained unchanged. Only the text of the folk song changed and improved.

Many people's favorite romances- This is also a genre of chamber music. Usually they performed a small vocal piece. It was usually accompanied by a guitar. That’s why we really love such lyrical songs with a guitar. Many people probably know about them and have already heard them more than once.

Ballad- this is a kind of narrative about various exploits or dramas. Ballads were often performed in taverns. As a rule, they praised the exploits of various heroes. Sometimes ballads were used before an upcoming battle to raise the morale of people.

Of course, in such songs certain moments were often embellished. But in essence, without additional imagination, the very significance of the ballad would decrease.

Requiem- This is a funeral mass. This kind of mourning choral singing is performed in Catholic churches. In our country, the requiem was usually used as a tribute to the memory of folk heroes.

- a song without words. Usually intended for one singer as a training exercise. For example, to develop a vocalist's voice.

Serenade- a genre of chamber music that was performed for a beloved. Usually men performed them under the windows of their beloved women and girls. As a rule, such songs praised the beauty of the fair sex.

Genres of instrumental and vocal music

Below you will find the main genres of instrumental and vocal music. For each direction I will give you short descriptions. Let's touch on the basic definition of each type of music a little more.

Genres of vocal music

There are several genres of vocal music. It is worth saying that the direction itself is the oldest in the history of the development of music. After all, it is the main key for the transition of literature into music. That is literary words began to be used in musical form.

Of course, these words were given the main role. Due to this, such music began to be called vocal. A little later, instrumental music appeared.

In vocal music, in addition to vocals, various instruments can also be used. However, in this direction their role is relegated to the background.

Here is a list of the main genres of vocal music:

Oratorio- Very great work for soloists, orchestra or choir. Typically, such works dealt with problems of a religious nature. A little later, secular oratorios appeared.
Opera- a huge dramatic work that combines the genres of instrumental and vocal music, choreography and painting. A special role here is given to various solo numbers (aria, monologue, and so on).
Chamber music- it was mentioned above.

Genres of instrumental music

Instrumental music- these are compositions that are performed without the participation of a vocalist. Hence the name instrumental. That is, it is performed only with the help of instruments.

Very often, many artists in their albums use instrumentals as bonus tracks in the album. That is, several of the most popular compositions can be selected and then their versions without vocals can be recorded.

Or they can select all the songs on the album. In this case, the album is released in two versions. This is usually done to increase the value of the product and raise its price.

There is a list for certain genres of instrumental music:

Dance music- as a rule, simple music for dancing
Sonata– used as a solo or duet for chamber music
Symphony— harmonious sound for symphony orchestra

Genres of Russian folk songs

Let's talk about the genres of Russian folk songs. They reflect all the charm of the soul of the Russian people. Usually in such musical works the nature of the native land, heroes and ordinary workers are praised. The joys and troubles of the Russian people are also mentioned.

Here is a list of the main genres of Russian folk songs:

Labor songs- chanted while working to facilitate a person’s work activity. That is, with such songs it was much easier for the workers to work. They set the rhythm of the work. Such musical works reflected the basic life of the working class people. Labor shouts were often used for work.
Ditties- a very common genre of folk music. As a rule, this is a short quatrain with a repeating melody. Chatushki carried a great meaning of the Russian word. They expressed the basic mood of the people.
Calendar songs- used on various calendar holidays. For example, on Christmas Day or under New Year. This musical genre was also well used for fortune telling or during the changing seasons.
Lullaby- gentle, simple and affectionate songs that mothers sang to their children. As a rule, in such songs mothers introduced their children to the world around them.
Family songs- used at various family holidays. This genre reflected very well at weddings. It was also used at the birth of a child, when a son was sent to the army, and so on. It is worth saying that such songs were accompanied by a certain ritual. All this together helped protect against dark forces and various troubles.
Lyrical compositions— in such works the difficult lot of the Russian people is mentioned. For example, severe female share and the difficult life of ordinary peasants.

Genres of modern music

Now let's talk about the genres of modern music. There are quite a lot of them. However, they all deviate from the three main directions in modern music. So we'll talk a little about them.

Rock

Rock is popular today. It may not be the same as before, but in our time it has become firmly entrenched. Therefore, it is impossible not to mention it. And the direction itself gave impetus to the birth of many genres. Here are some of them:

Folk rock- elements of folk songs are well used
Pop rock- music for a very wide audience
Hard rock- heavier music with a harsh sound

Pop

Popular music also covers many genres that are often used in modern music:

House- electronic music performed on a synthesizer
Trance- electronic music with a predominance of sad and cosmic melodies
Disco– dance music with abundant rhythmic drum and bass sections

Rap

IN recent years rap is gaining momentum well. In fact, this direction has practically no vocals. Basically they don’t sing here, but rather read. This is where the phrase rap came from. Here is a list of some genres:

Rapcore- a mixture of rap and heavy music
Alternative rap- a mixture of traditional rap with other genres
Jazz rap- a mixture of rap and jazz

Electronic music genres

Let's look a little at the main genres of electronic music. Of course, we won’t touch on everything here. However, we will analyze some of them. Here is the list:

House(house) - appeared in the 80s of the last century. It originates from the disco of the 70s. Appeared thanks to the experiments of DJs. Main features: repeating beat rhythm, 4x4 time signature and sampling.
Deep house(deep house) - lighter, atmospheric music with a deep, dense sound. Includes elements of jazz and ambient. The production uses solo keyboards, electric organ, piano and female vocals (mostly). Developed since the late 80s. Vocals in this genre always take a secondary place. The first one contains melodies and sounds to depict the mood.
Garage house(garage house) - the same as deep house, only vocals take the main role.
New disco(nu disco) is a more modern musical genre based on the renewed interest in disco music. Nowadays it is very popular to return to the roots. Therefore, this genre is based on the music of the 70s and 80s. The genre itself appeared in the early 2000s. Synthesized sounds similar to the sounds of real instruments are used to create disco of the 70s and 80s.
Soul full house(soulful house) - the basis is taken from house with a 4x4 rhythmic pattern, as well as vocals (full or in the form of samples). The vocals here are mostly soulful and very beautiful. Plus the use of a variety of musical instruments. Such a rich presence of instruments brings the music of this genre to life very well.

Rap genres

Let's look at the main genres of rap. This direction is also actively developing. Therefore, it would be nice to touch on it too. Here is a small list of genres:

Comedy Rap- intelligent and funny music for entertainment. Has a combination of real hip-hop and regular humor. Comedy rap emerged in the 80s.
Dirty rap- dirty rap, characterized by a pronounced heavy bass. Basically this music is intended to excite the audience at various parties.
gangsta rap- music with a very hard sound. The genre of music appeared in the late 80s. Elements from hardcore rap were taken as the parent basis of this trend.
Hardcore rap— aggressive music with noisy samples and heavy beats. Appeared in the late 80s.

Genres of classical music

There are works divided into many genres classical music. Especially widespread they received in the 18th century. Here is a partial list of destinations:

Overture- a short instrumental introduction to a performance, plays or works.
Sonata- a work for chamber performers, which is used as a solo or duet. Consists of three parts connected to each other.
Etude- a small instrumental piece designed to hone the technique of performing music.
Scherzo- the beginning of music with a lively and rapid tempo. Mainly conveys to the listener humorous and unexpected moments in the work.
Opera, symphony, oratorio- they were mentioned above.

Rock music genres

Now let's look at some genres of rock music other than those already mentioned above. Here is a short list with a description:

Gothic rock- rock music with a gothic and gloomy direction. Appeared in the early 1980s.
Grunge- music with a solid guitar sound and dark depressive lyrics. Appeared somewhere in the mid-1980s.
Folk rock— was formed as a result of mixing rock with folk music. Appeared in the mid-1960s.
Viking rock- punk rock with elements of folk music. Such works reveal the history of Scandinavia and the Vikings themselves.
Trashcore- faster hardcore. The works are usually small.

Genres of sacred and secular music

Let's look at some genres of sacred and secular music. To begin with, let's define these two directions. You will find out what it is and what is the difference. After that, we'll go through several genres.

Sacred music

Spiritual music is intended to heal the soul. Such works are used mainly for services in churches. That's why some people also call it church music. Here is a small list of its genres:

Liturgy- Easter or Christmas service. Performed by a choir, and can also include additional soloists. As a rule, various scenes of events from the Holy Scriptures were inserted into the liturgical drama. Elements of theatricality were often used.
Antiphon- repetitive music performed by alternating several choral groups. For example, the same verses can be performed alternately by two faces. There are several types of antiphons. For example, holidays (on holidays), sedate (Sundays), everyday, and so on.
Rondel- was created to an original melody in the form of a special form with the next introduction of vocals to the same motive.
Proprium- part of the Mass that varies depending on the church calendar.
Ordinarium- an unaltered part of the mass.

Secular music

Secular music is recognized show national character different cultures. Described mainly main image and the life of a common man. This type of music was very common among traveling musicians in the Middle Ages.

The purpose of this article is to introduce readers to various modern musical genres and the musical means that composers use when creating works within a certain style. The ability to navigate musical genres and subgenres is one of the first signs of professionalism, so this article will be of interest to all those who have already embarked on the path of improvement in the musical field.

Most critics divide modern musical genres into three main directions: pop, rock and rap, which in turn are rooted in earlier styles and have spawned a large number of their own offshoots.

Pop is modern popular music. This is a very broad term that covers many genres such as disco, trance, house, techno, funk, new wave and others. Let's stop and look at the features of each of them.

Disco. Not long ago it was the most popular genre of dance-pop music. It is characterized by an abundance of effects, the leading role of the rhythm section of drums and bass, as well as the secondary, background sound of strings and wind instruments.
Trance. It belongs to one of the genres of electronic music and is notable for its high emotional impact on the listener. This effect is achieved through the use of sad, “cosmic” melodies.
House. This is the name of dance, completely electronic music. The main and only instrument is the synthesizer. Distinctive feature This genre is characterized by the presence of looped musical phrases and solo melodies. Effects are widely used.
Techno. In one phrase we can say this: futuristic music of the big city. Techno features include fantastic melodies, dark metallic sound, and “cold” vocals devoid of emotion.
Funk. One of the dance genres, which is characterized by clearly defined drummers dominating all other instruments, low melody, and “sloppy” rhythm.
New wave. A genre of popular music that evolved from punk rock and uses the same musical means.

Rock as an independent genre, its roots are in the “black” American blues, which appeared in the 20s and 30s. Traditional blues consists of 12 bars, that is, sections of a composition consisting of several notes, the first of which has a stress or accent. To the main toolkit blues includes a counter bass or bass that sets the rhythm, a lead guitar, drums, often keyboards and wind instruments. To be completely precise, rock emerged from a branch of this genre - guitar blues, which already had much less keyboards and brass instruments.

Appearance rock And rock and roll, concepts that are often identified with musicians such as Elvis Presley and the Beatles. The former can be called the popularizer of this genre, while the Beatles were the ones who turned rock into art.

Musically, rock has remained almost the same blues, but their semantic content is different: rock is music of protest against society, government or something else.

Rock has many subgenres, the main ones being soft rock, hard rock, pop rock, folk rock, punk rock, psychedelic rock, heavy metal and thrash.

Hard rock. Literally this translates as “heavy, hard.” This style has such a name for a reason, because its sound corresponds to what it is called. Heaviness in hard rock is achieved through the dominant sound of a loud and powerful rhythm section over the rest of the instruments. In most cases, the drums, bass or rhythm guitar are “heavier”. Overdrive and distortion effects are often used in hard rock.
Pop rock. Popular rock. This style is well balanced, using all kinds of effects and popular arrangements. Pop rock includes any rock music that is intended for a wide audience of listeners.
Folk rock. This is rock music with elements of folk music.
Punk rock. This genre includes rough, often unprofessional, but expressive music, which is characterized by simple, unpretentious, but shocking melodies.
Psychedelic rock. Complex, unconventional music, full of various effects. This music has a high level of emotional impact on the listener.
Heavy metal is called harsh metal music, which is often inharmonious. She is far from the usual standards.
Thrash. This is a very tough genre, which is characterized by complexity and continuity of melodies, as well as improvisation.

Rap how the genre evolved from dance music. Features: uneven rhythm, complex experiments with drummers, the presence of looped musical fragments. One of the main features of rap is the absence of vocals, which are replaced by recitative. Rap is read like poetry, not sung. The main instruments are drums and a complex bass, which often plays solo. Rap musicians often use the scratch effect - the creaking of vinyl records.

Most likely rap originated from reggae- a dance style that originated in Jamaica. These two styles have a lot in common: the same uneven, ragged rhythm, the presence of looped musical fragments, and a complex drummer.

We immediately warn you that it is very difficult to answer in one article the question of what genres of music there are. Over the entire history of music, so many genres have accumulated that it is impossible to measure them with a yardstick: chorale, romance, cantata, waltz, symphony, ballet, opera, prelude, etc.

For decades, musicologists have been trying to classify musical genres (by the nature of content, by function, for example). But before we dwell on the typology, let’s clarify the very concept of genre.

What is a musical genre?

Genre is a kind of model with which specific music is correlated. He has certain conditions execution, purpose, form and nature of content. So, the purpose of a lullaby is to calm the baby, so “swaying” intonations and a characteristic rhythm are typical for it; c – all expressive means of music are adapted to a clear step.

What are the genres of music: classification

The simplest classification of genres is based on the method of execution. These are two large groups:

instrumental (march, waltz, etude, sonata, fugue, symphony)
vocal genres (aria, song, romance, cantata, opera, musical).

Another typology of genres is related to the performance environment. It belongs to A. Sokhor, a scientist who claims that there are genres of music:

ritual and cult (psalms, mass, requiem) - they are characterized by generalized images, the dominance of the choral principle and the same mood among the majority of listeners;
mass household (varieties of song, march and dance: polka, waltz, ragtime, ballad, anthem) - characterized by a simple form and familiar intonations;
concert genres (oratorio, sonata, quartet, symphony) – typically performed in concert hall, lyrical tone as the author’s self-expression;
theatrical genres (musical, opera, ballet) - require action, plot and scenery.

In addition, the genre itself can be divided into other genres. Thus, opera seria (“serious” opera) and opera buffa (comic) are also genres. At the same time, there are several more varieties that also form new genres (lyric opera, epic opera, operetta, etc.)

Genre names

You could write a whole book about what names music genres have and how they come about. Names can tell about the history of the genre: for example, the dance’s name “kryzhachok” is due to the fact that the dancers were positioned in a cross (from the Belarusian “kryzh” - cross). Nocturne (“night” - translated from French) was performed at night in the open air. Some names originate from the names of instruments (fanfare, musette), others from songs (Marseillaise, Camarina).

Often music is given a genre name when it is transferred to another medium: e.g. folk dance- to ballet. But it also happens the other way around: the composer takes the theme “Seasons” and writes a work, and then this theme becomes a genre with a certain form (4 seasons as 4 parts) and the nature of the content.

Instead of a conclusion

When talking about what genres of music there are, one cannot fail to mention a common mistake. There is confusion in concepts when classical, rock, jazz, hip-hop are called genres. It is important to remember here that genre is the scheme on the basis of which works are created, and style rather indicates the characteristics of the musical language of creation.