The Contemporary Period (1975-Present)
Introduction:
The Contemporary period, spanning from 1950 to today, is a time of musical diversity and experimentation. It's a period marked by global changes, including the Cold War, globalization, and the digital revolution, and this has left a profound impact on the world of music. In this blog post, we'll dive into the key musical features of this era and introduce some influential composers and iconic pieces.
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Musical Features of the Contemporary Period
The music of this period is characterized by:
- Minimalism: This is a technique where music is built upon repetition and variation of simple elements. It's like a musical puzzle with pieces that repeat and change over time.
- Postmodernism: This style of music mixes and borrows from various musical traditions and genres. It's like a musical collage where different pieces come together to create something new.
- New Genres: During this period, new musical genres like rock, hip hop, electronic, and world music emerged. These genres have had a global impact and continue to influence music worldwide.
- High and Low Culture: There's a distinction between "high" and "low" culture, where some music is considered more prestigious and valuable than others. This distinction can be a topic of debate in the world of music.
- Digital Technology: The introduction of digital technology, like computers, samplers, sequencers, and software, has revolutionized how music is created and shared.
Influential Composers of the Contemporary Period
Several composers have played a pivotal role in shaping the music of this era:
- Philip Glass (1937-present): An American composer and a pioneer of minimalism. He has created a wide range of music, from works for various instruments to film scores and operas.
- Steve Reich (1936-present): Another American composer known for his contributions to minimalism. His works often feature techniques like phasing, looping, and sampling.
- John Williams (1932-present): An American composer famous for his film scores, including those for "Star Wars," "Jaws," and "Harry Potter." He's considered one of the most successful composers of film music.
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Iconic Pieces of the Contemporary Period
Some of the most famous pieces of this era include:
- Music for 18 Musicians (1976) by Steve Reich: This piece is a complex and hypnotic work featuring interlocking patterns and pulsing rhythms.
- Star Wars Main Theme (1977) by John Williams: The iconic music that introduced the epic "Star Wars" film series.
- Requiem for a Dream (2000) by Clint Mansell: A haunting and disturbing piece that accompanies the psychological drama film of the same name.
Characteristics of Contemporary Music
- Polyphonic: Contemporary music often features multiple independent melodic lines that interact harmoniously. Think of it as a musical conversation where different voices have something to say.
- Diverse Scales and Modes: Instead of the traditional major and minor scales, contemporary music explores a wide variety of scales and modes, each with its own unique character and mood.
- Complex Rhythms: Rhythms in contemporary music can be intricate and irregular, sometimes following the structure of the music itself, or they can be a surprise, like an unexpected twist in a story.
- Varied Notation: Composers use different ways to write down their music, sometimes with traditional notation, and sometimes with graphic notation using symbols, shapes, colors, or images.
- Experimental Sounds: Musicians and composers explore new sounds, often using electronic instruments like synthesizers and computers. They also experiment with how traditional instruments can create unique sounds.
- Emotional Expression: Contemporary music can express a wide range of emotions, from joy and love to sorrow and despair. It often conveys personal feelings, experiences, and stories.
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Instruments in Contemporary Music
Instruments commonly used in contemporary music include:
- Strings: Violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, and mandolin, sometimes in electric forms.
- Woodwinds: Flutes, clarinets, oboes, bassoons, and saxophones.
- Brass: Trumpets, horns, trombones, and tubas.
- Percussion: Drums, cymbals, gongs, xylophones, vibraphones, and celestas.
- Keyboards: Pianos and organs, sometimes with modifications.
- Electronic Instruments: Synthesizers, samplers, and computers for creating unique sounds.
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Sources of Inspiration
Contemporary composers draw inspiration from various sources:
- Nature: They use music to depict natural phenomena like storms, waterfalls, and birdsong.
- Literature: Poets and writers like Eliot, Beckett, Borges, Neruda, and Murakami influence contemporary composers, who often set poems to music.
- Folklore: Traditional music and cultural traditions from various countries are a rich source of inspiration.
- Art: Painters and sculptors like Pollock, Rothko, Klee, Kahlo, and Kapoor inspire contemporary composers to create musical images and impressions.
Conclusion:
The Contemporary period has given us a diverse and ever-evolving soundscape, influenced by global changes and technological advancements. It's a reminder that music can adapt and reinvent itself to reflect the times. As we explore more of this fascinating era, we'll uncover the many layers of creativity and expression that continue to shape the world of music.