Music genres

A music genre is a category, a way to label music. Music can be divided into many genres according to a number of criteria, such as technique and instrumentation, music contents, means of transmission, geographical origins...

Vocal music

• A capella. Gregorian Chant
• Accompanied (Choral). For unto us a child is born,  G.F. Handel.

Instrumental music

• Orchestral. Symphony nº 5. Beethoven.
• Chamber. Schubert Trout Quintet. Theme and variations.

Absolute music

Absolute music makes sense without accompanying words, images, drama, dance, or other kind of extra-musical ideas. It excludes all vocal music.

• Symphony nº 88. F. J Haydn. Instrumental. Orchestral. Absolute.

Programme music

It is descriptive music, music that interprets an object, a landscape or an emotional experience.

• Italian Symphony. First movement. Felix Mendelssohn. Instrumental. Orchestral. Programme. 
• Scottish Symphony. First movement. Felix Mendelssohn. Instrumental. Orchestral. Programme. 

Theatre music

Includes a variety of subgenres designed to form part of a dramatic performance (opera, ballet, cabaret, film...).

• Papageno-Papagena Duet. The Magic Flute. W. A. Mozart. Vocal. Accompanied. Theatre. Opera.
• Swan Lake. P.I Tchaikovsky. Instrumental. Orchestral. Theatre. Ballet.
• Psycho Suite from «Psycho». Music by Bernard Herrmann. Instrumental. Orchestral. Theatre. Film.

Art music

Art music (also classical music) is music that is used as a form of a work of art.

• Clarinet Concert. 2nd movement. W.A. Mozart. Instrumental. Orchestral. Absolute. Art.

Popular music

Is music that is accessible to the general public and is broadcast to large audiences by one or more of the mass media and the music industry.

• So lonely. The Police. Vocal. Accompanied. Popular.

Traditional music

It´s music learned through singing and listening. Traditional music is part of the traditions of a particular region or culture.

• Morris Dance. Instrumental. Traditional.