A Brief History of Jazz

Classical music is a common term that most commonly identifies the formal, often academic music tradition of the Western hemisphere, considered by many to be distinctly different from other Western popular music or folk music traditions. However in a broader sense, the word can also refer to music reflecting similar formal qualities in non-western cultures. Examples of this genre include classical choral pieces, works by composers such as Bach and Beethoven, and works by instrumentalists like Elton John. These works often have minimalism as a main theme and use highly developed technical techniques and formal structures.

One branch of classical music that has become increasingly popular in the last twenty years is Jazz. Early jazz was considered by many to be nothing more than an inferior form of classical music, lacking both the intellectual depth and complexity of its precursor. However in the last few decades this style of music has seen a sudden resurgence, most notably with the birth of numerous popular jazz bands. Many of these bands began performing publicly as early as the late nineteen eighties, and many of them have gone on to become well known and respected performers in their own right.

The two styles share many common features, including the use of complex rhythmic patterns and polyphonic sound signatures, as well as a strong emphasis on individual tone quality. Many critics however point out that over time the evolution of Jazz has moved away from the traditional roots of classical music. This is particularly visible in the popular jazz fusion acts of today, who have little to no connection to the classical traditions of Beethoven, Mozart, or Handels. Some purists would argue that there is little that is truly original in modern Jazz, as all it really boils down to are different interpretations of classic Jazz music. However others would counter that these same purists underestimate the importance of classical music to a degree. Modern Jazz as a form of expression has actually grown from classical influences, with many different styles of playing coming from influences of swing and rockabilly.