Music varies according to culture, region and taste. Every musician has his own music, his own taste. And there is a wide variety of musical genres throughout the world. Music has evolved over time, with each culture developing its own style of music. Find out more, what are the world's most listened-to music styles?. In this text, let's discover together, what are the different types of music?
Classical music
Classical music was played in Europe between around 1750 and 1820. Today, this kind of music is associated with maturity. It's arguably a cult style, and typical of a serious, formal, refined and elitist environment. When we think of classical music, we think directly of large orchestras, many instruments led by a conductor. A formal dress, with an image of respect and seriousness. Generally speaking, classical music is expressed in concerts and symphonies, in other words: a soloist accompanying the orchestra and a choir of voices and instruments.
The Blues
Blues is one of those important and influential musical genres of the last era. It originated towards the end of the 19ᵉ century, when African slaves were transported to the United States. What differentiates Blues from other types of music is that its lyrics are melancholy allowing you to appreciate your personal anxieties and social problems. Blues is a combination of African and Western music. Over the years, several blues styles have emerged. It was from this musical style that other genres of popular music emerged: jazz, soul, hip hop, etc.
Jazz
Towards the end of the 19ᵉ century, African-American musicians were into the blues. Some still played classical music to learn European harmony. In fact, there were musicians who mixed European harmony with blues rhythms and scales. Then, thanks to this blend, jazz was born. To be more precise, jazz is characterized by a series of elements, including:
- Improvisation;
- Rhythm treatment or Swing;
- The use of reverse notes and syncopations;
- The orchestras ;
- Etc.
Rhythm and Blues or RnB
Jazz was very popular around the world between the 30s and 40s, and another genre of music was born. African-Americans were professional blues players, but making money wasn't easy. So small groups formed, and began looking for work in bars and pubs. Their aim was to work and attract a younger audience. Yet blues was old-fashioned in these places.
As a result, small groups formed in bars invented a new rhythm, "rhythm and blues". Originally, R & B attracted people, and the public loved this rhythm: the voices, the instruments. Today, R & B is still popular, but in a different form.
Rock and Roll
Rock and Roll originated in the early '50s. This style was invented by musicians who played both R & B and Western Swing (a popular country style). The instruments used are the same as those used with R & B.
The Gospel
Gospel or gospel music is a genre of music created in African-American churches in the mid-20ᵉ century. This rhythm is the fusion between the spiritual songs of black slaves as well as the traditional hymns of white music. To be more precise, gospel is a simple genre of music, with marked rhythms. It is intended for congregational use. What sets it apart is its harmonic richness and simple melody. However, gospel is characterized by massive choirs.
Soul or soul
Soul is a genre of African-American music influenced by earlier genres. It emerged in the USA in the late '50s. While gospel is a cheerful type of music, where choirs move around playing palms, soul is a slower, deeper type of music.
The Rock
In the early '60s, the stars of Rock and Roll were slowly disappearing: Elvis was in the army, Little Richard had left Rock and Roll, then Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens died in a plane crash. Many young people enjoyed their music, but they were also interested in R & B. So young people combined the old styles with rock and roll to create a new genre: Rock. While Rock and Roll is danceable, Rock focuses on energy transmission and lack of control.
The metal
The metal part of hard rock originated in the 70s. Several bands formed in the 80s, mainly in Western countries. It places great emphasis on electric guitar and drums to generate powerful, energetic sounds.
Country
Country music is a modern popular music genre created in the USA. It originated in the southeastern states of the USA. It's a combination of folk music, church music and African-American blues. Instruments include acoustic guitar, mandolin, fiddle and banjo.
Funk
Soul artists developed a more rhythmic style of soul called funk in the 60s. It was also the start of many new musical styles, including disco.
Disco
Nightclubs or discos used to employ DJs to play different songs in the 70s. This process was cheaper than hiring a band. DJs played funk, soul, etc. songs. In the mid-70s, they marketed easier dance topics for disco dancers. Disco is a repetitive quaternary rhythm between 110 and 136 BPM. An orchestral sound, with piano and electronic guitar. Disco music is original music.
