Style and Genre

Understanding Style and Genre

In Question 6, recognizing and describing the style and genre of a piece of music is essential. This involves identifying key characteristics that connect the music to a particular period, tradition, or style.

What is Style?

Style refers to the specific features that define how a piece of music is written and performed. It often relates to:

• The composer's approach (e.g., use of melody, harmony, rhythm).
• Techniques typical of a historical period (e.g., Baroque, Romantic).
• Traditions of regional or cultural music (e.g., Irish, Appalachian).

What is Genre?

Genre refers to the category or type of music. Examples include:

• Classical Genres: Symphony, opera, concerto.
• Traditional Genres: Reel, jig, sean nós song.
• Modern Genres: Jazz, fusion, pop.

Key Features of Common Styles and Genres

Classical Styles and Genres

Baroque (1600–1750):

• Polyphonic textures, ornamentation, use of harpsichord.
• Genres: Concerto grosso, fugue.

Classical (1750–1820):

• Balanced phrasing, homophonic textures, development of sonata form.
• Genres: Symphony, sonata, string quartet.

Romantic (1820–1900):

• Expressive melodies, chromatic harmony, expanded orchestration.
• Genres: Art song (Lied), symphonic poem.

Irish Traditional Music

• Features modal melodies, ornamentation, and repetitive structures.
• Genres include:
  • Dance Tunes: Reels, jigs, polkas.
  • Sean Nós Songs: Solo, unaccompanied singing.

Modern Styles

• Jazz: Improvisation, swing rhythms, and blues scales.
• Fusion: A blend of traditional and modern elements, such as jazz and Irish music (e.g., Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin's Hiberno Jazz).

Exam Tips

1. Identify Features of the Music: Listen for specific elements like rhythm, melody, harmony, and texture to connect the piece to a style or genre.
2. Use Terminology: Refer to characteristics such as modal, polyphonic, homophonic, or syncopated.
3. Contextualize the Music: Relate the music to its historical or cultural setting.
4. Compare Across Styles: If required, highlight similarities and differences between styles or genres.
5. Provide Examples: Use references to prescribed works or well-known genres to support your answer. By focusing on style and genre, you can show a deeper understanding of the music, its features, and its context, enhancing your response in Question 6.