Contemporary instrumental music is a genre of music that has seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years. It is a unique genre that blends genres such as classical, jazz, and electronic music to create a modernized instrumental sound. Contemporary instrumental music has been recognized worldwide for its soothing and therapeutic nature, making it ideal for relaxation and meditation. This article will explore the evolution of contemporary instrumental music throughout the years.
Contemporary instrumental music emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, known then as “new age music”. This genre of music was an amalgamation of eastern spirituality and western experimental music. One of the significant pioneers of new age music was the American musician Paul Horn, who was known for fusing Indian classical music with western jazz.
In the late 1970s to the mid-1980s, new age music became increasingly popular and was boosted by the commercial success of artists such as Yanni, Kitaro, and George Winston. These artists’ music took new age music to the mainstream and made it more accessible to listeners worldwide.
The 1990s saw a shift in contemporary instrumental music, with artists incorporating more electronic instrumentation into their music. Musicians such as Jean-Michel Jarre and Tangerine Dream were at the forefront of this change, catalyzing a new sub-genre known as electronic new age music.
Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, contemporary instrumental music experienced a decline in popularity. However, contemporary instrumental music has made a comeback in recent years, with new artists such as Ludovico Einaudi and Nils Frahm gaining critical acclaim and amassing a large following.
Contemporary instrumental music has become a vital genre, particularly with the rise of streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music. Listeners worldwide are now exposed to a diverse range of contemporary instrumental music, allowing the genre to reach new heights of popularity.
In conclusion, contemporary instrumental music has evolved significantly throughout the years, from its early beginnings in the late 1960s to its current popularity. The genre’s diversity of influences and instrumentation continues to make it a popular and innovative genre in the music industry. Contemporary instrumental music also plays an essential role in providing listeners with a sense of calm and relaxation, making it a therapeutic genre that has widespread appeal. With artists continually pushing the boundaries of the genre, it is exciting to see what the future holds for contemporary instrumental music.
