The term “pop” has its origins in the 1950s, when it was used to label music that wasn’t classified as classical or jazz. Nowadays, however, the term refers to a broad umbrella term that encompasses various musical genres.
Pop songs tend to be concise, catchy and enjoyable to listen to. Additionally, many pop songs are composed by professional songwriters for added artistic integrity.
The Influence of Classical Music on Pop
Classical music has a rich heritage and remains an influential element in contemporary culture. In fact, classical music’s art form has had an immense impact on the creation and evolution of many genres today.
Classical music has a reputation for being serious and demanding, often referred to as “high” or “cultivated” music due to its composition by master composers with advanced training and education. However, not all classical music is serious or tailored towards an specific audience – some pieces such as Mozart’s serenades can be enjoyed for lighthearted relaxation purposes.
While classical music and pop music often don’t mix, the two genres share some similarities. Most notably, both styles rely on a basic chord structure as their foundation.
Second, both music types utilize scales and melodies. Classical music has a much more intricate scale than pop music does.
Classic music often employs a verse-chorus structure. This style of songwriting has been beloved by many musicians throughout the years, providing them with an effective tool to craft their works of art.
Many bands have employed this formulaic approach to their music, such as Genesis, King Crimson, Pink Floyd and Yes. These artists took elements from classical music and transformed them into something new and original – leading to the birth of progressive rock in the 1970s.
Classical music has had a profound effect on pop music. Not only has it inspired the creation of various genres and subgenres, but its influences also continue to shape their styles.
One notable example is how classical music has shaped jazz, as its complex system of harmony and rhythm have been employed for years.
The Influence of Early Music on Pop
Over time, musical tastes have evolved from classical to pop. From jazz and rap, different genres have taken what was once seen as a serious art form and turned it into something much more accessible.
Pop music underwent a revolutionary shift in the 1950s when rock and roll emerged as its own genre, incorporating elements from several other genres like blues and jazz to create an original sound.
This new style of music revolutionized how harmony was used in popular songs. It simplified chord progressions to make songs more approachable to a wider audience and transitioned away from dominant seventh chords towards more rocky melodies.
It is widely believed that the early music movement shaped many contemporary genres. Modern classical genres such as choral music and instrumental music draw heavily from the works of early composers.
However, it remains uncertain if this trend was responsible for creating pop music. Furthermore, some believe the early music movement contributed to a revival of early music during the 20th century, when various performers began performing and recording music from Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Early music is typically defined as music composed in Europe between 800 and 1800, including Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque pieces. Additionally, this term applies to a more “historically informed” approach to performance which often incorporates period instruments as well as other techniques.
Different approaches to early music exist, such as museum-like curation of musical artifacts, excavation of forgotten repertoires, revival of extinct or antique instruments and rejection of assumptions about modern instruments’ superiority over older ones; attempts to perform music from the past in ways that authentically represent how it was first heard; and creative mixing of classic pieces with folk and popular contemporary tunes.
The Influence of Church and Choral Music on Pop
Church and choral singing has been a beloved form of religious expression for centuries. No matter the genre – classical, traditional or contemporary – the songs produced are often powerful and stirring. Many singers attest to the beneficial social and emotional effects singing in a choir can have on their lives.
According to Chorus America’s study, an estimated 42.6 million Americans regularly sing in choruses today. Singing together offers a special social experience not found elsewhere in music.
Classical choral music, such as the Gregorian chants that formed the basis of Roman church services, has a long-standing tradition and strong connection to Christianity. When performed in large ensembles, it can be difficult for individuals to distinguish their voices from that of everyone else singing alongside them.
Pop music has been heavily influenced by this style of music. Popular pop songs typically feature an infectious melody, lyrics that speak directly to the heart, and vocals that grab listeners’ attention.
Pop songs typically deal with topics such as love and loss, life and death, and relationships. Many lyricists writing these songs have been exposed to other genres of music and have used those experiences to craft their own unique style of writing.
Pop songs often feature melodic variations composed with various musical pitches. This variety helps the song become more memorable and elicits stronger emotional reactions in listeners.
Choral music, gospel music, is another religious genre of music. This style has been around for years and its songs have had a major influence on pop music’s development.
Thomas Dorsey and Mahalia Jackson pioneered gospel music in the early 1900s, ushering in a new era of popular culture. While this genre continues to develop, its focus on emotions remains at its core.
The Influence of Jazz on Pop
Jazz has had a profound effect on modern music, such as rock, funk and hip hop. Additionally, it has inspired numerous styles of classical music.
Jazz began as a form of music exclusive to African-Americans, but soon spread throughout the white middle class in America and became an integral part of American culture. It combined African-American traditions with Western values and ideals.
Jazz gained momentum throughout the 20th century, particularly in southern states. It had a profound effect on American culture and helped break down social barriers between people of various races.
Jazz music features a wide variety of instruments. A trumpet player might play the melody while the saxophonist uses their horn to solo over it. The rhythms in jazz music are fast-paced, with plenty of energy packed into every note.
Jazz has also had an influential effect on pop music by emphasizing improvisation. This aspect of the genre is essential as it gives musicians a platform to express themselves artistically through their compositions.
Hip hop music has a jazz influence, as most rappers improvise their lyrics over chords. This technique works great to grab audiences’ attention since it allows the artists to be creative with their music and also shows they are real musicians.
Even though jazz has not always been as popular as other types of music, it still has a significant influence on contemporary pop culture. It has been integrated into various genres from funk to rock and even R&B.
Fusion jazz is the most prevalent style of jazz music, a blend of two or more genres of music. It encompasses various styles and can be quite complex to play; therefore, it requires extensive practice in order to master.
In the 1950s, jazz and rock music joined forces to form rock ‘n’ roll. This unique genre borrowed elements from blues, boogie-woogie, and other genres for its unique sound.