How to Describe the Difference Between Classical and Electronic Dance Music

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Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

How to Describe the Difference Between Classical and Electronic Dance Music

When it comes to music, there are countless genres and subgenres to choose from. But what exactly is the difference between classical and electronic dance music?

Classical music is a genre that dates back centuries, and is typically characterized by its intricate melodies and harmonies. Electronic dance music, on the other hand, is a relatively new genre that emerged in the late 20th century. It is characterized by its

Introduction

Dance music is a broad term that can refer to many different genres and styles of music. Generally, it is music that is produced for the purpose of people dancing, but it can also be enjoyed without dancing. Many different genres can fall under the umbrella of dance music, including but not limited to: house, techno, trance, drum and bass, garage, and dubstep.

Classical music is a genre of Western art music that emerged in the late 18th century. It is generally characterized by complex formal structures, intricate melodic lines, and a wide range of dynamics. Classical music was traditionally written for instruments such as the piano, violin, and cello, but it has since been adapted for use with electronic instruments as well.

There are many similarities between classical and electronic dance music. Both genres are created for the purpose of people dancing, and both often make use of complex formal structures and intricate melodic lines. However, there are also several important differences between these two genres. Perhaps the most significant difference is that classical music is typically written for acoustic instruments whereas electronic dance music is written for electronic instruments. This difference in instrumentation gives each genre its own distinctive sound. Another significant difference between these two genres is their respective audiences; classical music tends to be enjoyed by an older demographic while electronic dance music appeals to a younger crowd.

Classical Dance Music

Classical dance music is a genre of music that is associated with or intended for use in classical ballet. It is typically characterized by intricate melodies, tempos, and harmonies, and has a light, airy sound. Classical dance music is usually created by a composer specifically for use in a ballet.

Origins

Though it may be hard to believe, classical music and electronic dance music have a lot in common. Both genres have their origins in the Western European tradition ofconcert music, and both have been influenced by a wide variety of other styles over the years.

That said, there are also some significant differences between the two genres. Classical music is typically MUCH older than electronic dance music, with most of the well-known pieces having been composed centuries ago. It is also generally more formal and “serious” in nature, while electronic dance music is more often seen as being fun and upbeat.

Characteristics

Classical music is characterized by room-filling melodies and grandiose instrumentation while electronic dance music is made up of synthetic sounds that are manipulated to create a beat.

Electronic Dance Music

Electronic dance music is a type of music that is often played in nightclubs, festivals, and other venues. It is characterized by a heavy bass sound and synthesized melodies. The tempo of electronic dance music is usually between 110 and 150 beats per minute.

Origins

Classical music is rooted in the traditions of Western culture, including both liturgical (religious) and secular music. It has its origins in the cultural exchange between the Roman Empire and the Persian Empire in the 3rd century BCE. Christian music developed from this early foundation, and by the 4th century CE, it had come to dominate Western music.

Electronic dance music (EDM) is a more recent phenomenon, with its roots in the disco and club culture of the 1970s and 1980s. It emerged as a genre in its own right in the 1990s, with artists such as Daft Punk and The Prodigy helping to popularize it.

Characteristics

There are a few key characteristics that differentiate classical music from electronic dance music (EDM). Firstly, classical music is generally much more complex in terms of its harmonies and melodies, whereas EDM is typically fairly simple in comparison. Secondly, classical music is usually played on acoustic instruments, whereas EDM is almost always produced using electronic instruments. Finally, classical music tends to be quite a lot slower than EDM, which is often very fast-paced.

Comparison

At its most basic, classical music is acoustic (not electronic) music written by composers mostly in the Western world, using notation to score their works and often performed by orchestras or smaller groups of instruments. It’s had a long history – you can trace its roots back to the Middle Ages.

On the other hand, electronic dance music (EDM) is a broad range of percussive genres that usually feature synthetic sounds, created with electronics and recorded onto digital audio tapes or CDs. It emerged from disco, house and techno in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and has since grown to encompass a wide variety of styles.

Conclusion

So, in conclusion, what is the difference between classical and electronic dance music? Classical music is typically slower and has more complex structures, while electronic dance music is usually faster and has simpler structures. Classical music often tells a story or expresses emotion, while electronic dance music is mostly just for dancing. Hope this helped!

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