Under the fatal music we refer to the synthesis of rhythm and blues negro and country music. A particular rhythmic pattern was borrowed from the first direction (reverse beat: emphasis on the second and fourth beat of the rhythm), from the second – the completeness of the compositions and improvisation compared to the blues. Rock is a protest against the political situation in the country, the values of the older generation, the way of self-expression and the affirmation of one’s views on life. The confrontation is due to the lyrics of the songs and the aggressive way of performing.
History of Rock
Music of this style first appeared in 1954. In the film Jungle Chalkboards, the song Rock round the clock was performed by Bill Haley. At the same time Elvis Presley records were released. A little later, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan appear on the music scene.
Gradually, the music of the fatal direction begins to be performed as a protest against the war in Vietnam, organizations are created, the members of which do not welcome armed conflict and racism.
With the advent of the hippie movement in the US, the underground is developing (The Doors, Steppenwolf, Blood, Sweet & Tears), and in the UK, musicians are trying to preserve the characteristics of traditional culture (Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd). At the same time, a new form of presentation of compositions – a music album: some songs, united by a single idea.
Gradually, the rock style is gaining popularity in other countries, developing and dividing in different directions.
Jazz, hard, folk…
The heart of the style is classic rock.
Psychedelic rock is music composed under the influence of psychotropic substances and progressive is distinguished by other forms of musical construction, complexity and depth of the material provided. Progressive rockers include Blood, Sweat & Tears, Gong, and others. The most famous experimenters are The Fugs, The Godz, Red Crayola and others.
Another direction combines the characteristics of rock and jazz. It appears not only because jazz musicians have become cramped in their style, but also as a result of the fusion of “white” and “black” music in the fight against racism. Famous management representatives – Jimmy Hendrix, Iron Butterfly, Vanilla Fudge.
Also, music critics emit glam, gothic, etc. The definition of stylistic variety is somewhat arbitrary, as groups are constantly experimenting, changing play styles or inventing new ways of performing.
Rock opera
Characteristic mixing styles of all types of art, including music. This includes work on the music stage, consisting of episodes in which the plot is revealed. Unlike classical opera, a keyboard player, guitarist and other musicians could be on stage.
The way of singing is assertive and aggressive, typical of rock music. Sometimes the parts contain elements of other musical directions (jazz, folk, baroque, etc.). In addition to the arias, the musicians perform plastic recitatives and numbers.
Rock culture
Over time, rocker music became so popular that elements of style penetrated other layers of the culture, a distinctive rock style emerging. This is how a special language (jargon) appeared, in which followers and fans of style are expressed. Slang is used to write lyrics, but at concerts (sessions) non-verbal communication becomes more important. The unity of music, words, stage movements and images affects the human subconscious, causing certain sensations and emotional reactions.
Rockers are addicted to the philosophy of existentialism, Buddhism and other religious teachings that are contrary to Western psychology. In their free time from concerts, musicians and fans participate in so-called happenings (meetings), where they communicate, play music, express their opinions on everything that happens in their life.
The trends of rock culture are manifested in clothes (indelible dirt stains in hippies), in the way of behaving.
Rock and Christianity
The Christian religion does not recognize rock’s right to exist, considering the commitment to rock culture impossible for those who believe in God. Reinforced rhythms, higher frequencies, heart-warming lyrics affect people’s subconscious, awaken deep instincts.
Rock is a serious effect on the psyche. The content of many songs is devoted to the theme of death, the other world, a person’s depressive states, self-destruction. In many cases, the passion for rock is closely linked to drug use, violence, which does not correspond to the Christian lifestyle.
Art historians and cultural studies of rock music and everything related to it are seen as an opposition to traditional culture.