abstract

Abstract: A History of the Unconcrete

Abstract music, as its name suggests, is a genre that shies away from the concrete, the tangible. Instead, it embraces the ethereal, the ambiguous, the sonic landscapes where meaning isn’t dictated but freely explored by the listener.

Early Echoes:

While its origins are murky, abstract music’s roots can be traced back to the experimental composers of the early 20th century. Think Arnold Schoenberg and his serialism, Igor Stravinsky‘s jarring rhythms, and John Cage‘s daring silence. These pioneers challenged traditional musical structures, paving the way for a sonic world that would be less concerned with melody and harmony, and more focused on texture, timbre, and sound manipulation.

The Dawn of Electronica:

With the advent of electronic instruments and synthesizers in the mid-20th century, abstract music found a new playground. Karlheinz Stockhausen, a leading figure in electronic music, created groundbreaking compositions like Gesang der Jünglinge (1956), exploring tape manipulation and sonic textures. This period saw the rise of experimental electronic music genres like musique concrète and tape music, which further blurred the lines between sound and noise.

The Rise of Minimalism:

In the 1960s and 70s, minimalism emerged as a major force in abstract music. Composers like Steve Reich and Philip Glass stripped music down to its bare essentials, creating repetitive patterns and hypnotic textures. This minimalist approach resonated with a generation seeking spiritual and meditative experiences.

Ambient’s Embrace:

The 1980s saw the rise of ambient music, a subgenre of abstract music that emphasizes atmosphere and mood. Pioneering figures like Brian Eno and Harold Budd created ethereal and contemplative soundscapes, offering a sonic escape from the pressures of everyday life.

Funny Facts:

• John Cage’s 4’33”: This iconic composition, consisting of four minutes and thirty-three seconds of silence, is considered a cornerstone of abstract music. It’s sure to provoke a laugh or two, especially from those expecting a traditional musical experience.
• The “Musical” Toilet: Dutch composer Cornelius Cardew famously used a flushing toilet as an instrument in his composition Octet ’69. The piece was certainly unique, though some might argue it was a bit too “unconventional” for the average listener.
• Minimalism and the “Stuttering” Effect: Minimalist composers like Steve Reich are known for their use of repetition and slight variations in their music. This creates a “stuttering” effect that can be quite hypnotic, but also a bit disorienting at times, leading to some humorous interpretations.

Beyond the Concrete:

Abstract music, in its various forms, has evolved and expanded over the decades, with contemporary artists exploring new sonic territories and pushing the boundaries of the genre. From experimental electronica to contemporary classical, abstract music continues to challenge conventional musical structures and offer listeners a unique sonic experience. And, of course, it continues to provide a platform for the unexpected, the humorous, and the truly bizarre.