Classical vs. Modern Music
There are subtle and not so subtle differences between classical vs modern music.

For eons, music has been a significant part of human life. Today, it's one of the world's biggest and most lucrative industries. Music has grown so big there are different genres and subgenres, but it wasn't always like that. If you go back to the 19th Century and beyond, music was quite different. Orchestras were the order of the day, and classical music was what people enjoyed listening to. Lucky us, we get to enjoy both classical and modern music.

But which one is better?

In this article, I'll compare classical and modern music to find their strengths and weaknesses. This allows us to benefit from the best of both worlds. I'll examine the differences between them and make a case for each one. Let's go right into it.

Differences

Is classical music any different from modern music? Of course, that's a weird question. Let's talk about some of these differences.

Instrumentation

Classical music sounds completely different from modern music. Think orchestra versus a rock band. A significant reason for this difference is that different instruments are used in each genre. You won't find any classical musician playing a lead guitar, for example. In fact, you'd hardly ever see anyone make classical music with a regular guitar. Classical music requires the use of instruments such as the flute, violin, French Horn, trombone, and other such instruments.

On the flip side, modern music hardly ever features a flute or harp. We even have a genre called electronic dance music where almost all the sounds are made by computers. Modern musicians love their guitars and drums, whereas a cymbal is as close as an orchestra would get to such “noise�. From the instrumentation alone, there's a massive difference between classical and modern music.

Style and Structure

Every music nerd knows that music must have a structure for it to make any sense. Take poetry, for example. There are different verse structures and rhyme formats that help you make sense of what's going on. Classical and modern music couldn't be more different in terms of structure and style.

Where modern music is carefree and flexible, classical music is organized and rigid. Where classical music is smooth, modern music is more expressive. Classical compositions go on for up to hours and consist of complex musical combinations. Modern music lasts about five minutes on average and is more or less repetitive of one melody that revolves around simple chords.

So the difference between classical music starts from instrumentation and continues even into style and structure. But who listens to this music?

Audience

Given that classical music is as old as the 19th Century, it stands to reason that it would attract an older audience than modern music. The calm yet sophisticated style of classical music is also very appealing to older people. Younger people prefer modern music because it's easier to understand and much more expressive.

Imagine the difference between an orchestra and a band performance. When an orchestra is performing, you'll find the audience seated quietly and enjoying the music. Now picture a BTS concert. ‘Nuff said.

The Case For Each

Which one is better? Some people say classical music, others say modern music. That's only typical, isn't it? Imagine the entire human race agreeing on one thing. Shudders.

Let's make a case for each.

Classical Music

Depth

True lovers of music, and I mean true music nerds, will tell you that classical music brings a depth unrivaled by anything else. Most modern songs revolve around four chords, but classical music gives a true dive into the world of music. You experience different complexities from different instruments all coming together to give one beautiful sound. There is nothing like it.

Elegance

Classical music is, by nature, elegant. Imagine dancing to a classical song. There will be no sweating, no frantic shaking, or any other behavior unbecoming of “ladies and gentlemen�. Such music requires you to be your best self. The musicians even wear suits as opposed to chains and torn jeans. This often results in classical music lovers seeing themselves as the elite, and indeed classical music was for the elite back in the day.

Longevity

While classical music was at its peak a long time ago, it's still revered and celebrated today. It's an extraordinary feat of longevity. We have timeless modern songs, but none match the old and elegant classical music. Old composers like Beethoven and Bach are still revered as legends of the music industry.

Modern Music

Simplicity

Music is all about enjoyment, others argue. When you can easily learn the lyrics and vibe along to a song, you can relate more. So maybe you don't care about complexities and the depths of musical prowess. Maybe you just want something simple you can connect to. This is what modern music gives you.

It's simple, both for the artist and the audience. You don't need to learn as much piano for a modern song as you need to for a classical composition. And you don't have to listen to a song several times while trying to decipher the musical mysteries hidden in it. When you just need a friend, modern music is there for you.

Flexibility

Where classical music seems to have many rules, modern music is much more flexible. You can make a song out of anything these days. Whether the styles or the artists, modern music is much more flexible than classical music where you have to be solemn and ladylike or gentlemanly.

Expression

Finally, modern music promotes emotional expression much more than classical music. There's always a song for whatever mood you're in. You can dance or cry as you please with no worry about how dignified you look. Modern music allows you to express your true self without any filter.

Final Thoughts

Both classical and modern music are massive parts of the music industry. While everyone will have their preferences, we must learn to pick the positives from each side. For example, to the artist, your music doesn't have to be basic but it can allow your audience to be as expressive as they want.

If you're not an artist, the two types of music can also serve you quite well. Modern music is great for joy and sadness, but what if you're just after calmness? Classical music is a great way to just drown out the world around you for a moment of calm, soothing peace.

Again, both classical and modern music are massive parts of the music industry. Lovers of music can enjoy both. Artists can employ the valuables from each in their music too. There should be less competition and more collaboration.