The Epic Battle of Music: Dubstep vs. Classical

A Dubstep producer and a Classical musician discuss the differences between their genres and the pros and cons of each.

Introduction

In the late 18th century, Luigi Boccherini wrote a string quintet that featured a surprisingly modern sounding groove in the second movement. But it wasn’t until the 1980s that classical music and dance music began to mix with any regularity. In the last few years, however, the rate of cross-pollination between these two genres has accelerated dramatically.

What is Dubstep?

Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in South London in the late 1990s. It is characterized by a sparse, syncopated rhythmic style with half-time rhythms.

Origins

Dubstep is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in South London in the late 1990s. It is generally characterized by sparse, syncopated rhythmic patterns with prominent sub-bass frequencies. The style emerged as an offshoot of UK garage, drawing on a legacy of Jamaican dub and Jamaican reggae.

The earliest dubstep releases date back to 1998, and the genre really began to take shape in the early 2000s with the rise of artists such as Benga, Skream, and Plastician. Dubstep quickly gained popularity in clubs and underground scenes around the world, and by the mid-2000s it had begun to enter the mainstream with singles such as “In for the Kill” by La Roux and “Virtual Insanity” by Jamiroquai.

In recent years dubstep has undergone something of a renaissance, with a new wave of producers such as Flume, Disclosure, and Rudimental taking the sound in exciting new directions.

Characteristics

Dubstep is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in the late 1990s. It is characterized by a heavy bass sound with layered drumbeats and synthesized melodies. The tempo is usually between 140 and 150 beats per minute, and the music often features a “drop” (a sudden change in the bassline or melody) that is typically accompanied by a visual effect known as “the wobble.”

What is Classical?

Classical music is a broad term that usually refers to music produced in, or rooted in the traditions of, Western art, ecclesiastical and concert music, particularly that which lasted from the mid-17th century to the early 19th century.

Origins

The word “classical” is often used to describe a wide range of music, from the medieval period up to the present day. But what exactly is classical music?

The word classical is derived from the Latin term classis, which means “a division of citizens by rank or property.” In the Middle Ages, this term was used to describe the division of society into three distinct groups: those who fought (the nobility), those who prayed (the clergy), and those who worked (the peasants).

Over time, the word classical came to be associated with a certain type of music that was thought to be particularly refined and sophisticated. This music was generally considered to be superior to all other genres, and it was often used in religious ceremonies and aristocratic events.

Classical music is often divided into three periods: the Medieval period (5th-15th centuries), the Renaissance period (16th century), and the Baroque period (17th century). Each of these periods has its own distinct style and characteristics.

Characteristics

Classical music is art music produced or rooted in the traditions of Western music, including both liturgical (religious) and secular music. While a more precise term is also used to refer to the period from 1750 to 1820 (the Classical period), this article is about the broad span of time from before the 6th century AD to the present day, which includes the Classical period and various other periods. The central norms of this tradition became codified between 1550 and 1900, which is known as the common-practice period.

The Battle

In the ever-evolving world of music, two genres seem to be on a collision course: Dubstep and classical. On one side, you have the electronically produced, often bass-heavy dubstep; on the other, the centuries-old classical genre that’s renowned for its intricate melodies and harmonies. So, which is better? Let’s take a closer look at each genre to see which one comes out on top.

First, let’s look at dubstep. This genre originated in the early 2000s in the UK, and it has since taken the world by storm. Dubstep is characterized by its heavy bass lines and syncopated rhythms. One of the defining features of dubstep is the “drop,” which is when the bass and rhythms suddenly change, often becoming more intense. This can create an exciting and adrenaline-pumping sound that’s perfect for dancing or banging your head along to.

While dubstep can be enjoyable to listen to, it’s not without its flaws. First off, dubstep can be repetitive and even boring at times. A lot of dubstep songs tend to sound alike, with little variation between them. Also, because of its heavy reliance on bass, dubstep can sometimes be difficult to listen to for extended periods of time. It can be overwhelming and even fatiguing after a while.

Now let’s take a look at classical music. This genre has been around for centuries, with some of its earliest examples dating back to the Medieval period. Classical music is usually characterized by intricate melodies and harmonies, as well as a complex structure. It often tells a story or conveys emotion through its musical motifs. Because of its complex nature, classical music can be enjoyed both intellectually and emotionally.

While classical music has lasting appeal and can be extremely moving, it also has its drawbacks. First off, classical music can be pretty inaccessible to newcomers. It can take years of listening and study to really appreciate all that classical music has to offer. Also, because it is usually so complex and detailed, classical music can sometimes be difficult to follow along with if you’re not paying close attention.

So which is better: dubstep or classical? There’s no easy answer here; it really depends on what you’re looking for in your music listening experience. If you’re looking for something that’s exciting and adrenaline-pumping, then dubstep might be for you. But if you’re looking for something that’s emotionally moving and intellectually stimulating, then classical might be a better choice

Who Wins?

The answer, unfortunately, is not as simple as we would like it to be. We can break it down into a few different categories, however, to try and determine a winner.

There is no clear-cut winner when it comes to complex theoretical concepts. Classical music has been around for centuries, and has been perfected by some of the greatest minds in history. Dubstep, on the other hand, is a relatively new genre that is still in the process of evolving. When it comes to innovation and creativity, dubstep has the edge.

When it comes to popularity, there is no doubt that dubstep is the clear winner. It appeals to a wider audience than classical music, and its popularity is only increasing. Classical music may have a small but devoted following, but when it comes to raw numbers dubstep wins hands down.

In terms of critical acclaim, classical music once again has the edge. It is widely considered to be one of the highest forms of art, while dubstep is often dismissed as being noise rather than music. This is starting to change as dubstep becomes more mainstream, but for now classical music retains its highbrow status.

So who wins? In reality, there is no clear winner. Both genres have their own strengths and weaknesses, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.