Ambient music

Ambient Music

Ambient music is a genre of music that emphasizes tone and atmosphere over traditional musical structure or rhythm. It is intended to create an immersive environment, often evoking a sense of calm or contemplation.

History

The origins of ambient music can be traced back to the early 20th century with the works of Erik Satie, a French composer who created "furniture music" meant to be heard in the background. However, the term "ambient music" was popularized by Brian Eno in the 1970s. Eno's album "Ambient 1: Music for Airports" is often cited as a seminal work in the genre.

Characteristics

Ambient music is characterized by its focus on sound textures and atmosphere. It often features:

• Minimalistic and repetitive structures
• Use of synthesizers and electronic instruments
• Incorporation of natural sounds or field recordings
• Lack of a strong beat or rhythm

Subgenres

Ambient music has several subgenres, including:

• Dark ambient: A subgenre that incorporates darker, more ominous tones and themes.
• Space music: Focuses on creating a sense of vastness and exploration, often associated with outer space.
• Ambient house: Combines elements of ambient music with house music, featuring a more rhythmic structure.

Influence and Legacy

Ambient music has influenced a wide range of musical genres and artists. It has been used extensively in film soundtracks, video games, and meditation practices. Artists such as Aphex Twin, The Orb, and Moby have incorporated ambient elements into their work.

Notable Artists

Some of the most notable artists in the ambient music genre include:

• Brian Eno
• Aphex Twin
• Tangerine Dream
• Steve Roach
• Biosphere

See Also

• Electronic music
• Minimal music
• New-age music

References

• Eno, Brian. A Year with Swollen Appendices. Faber & Faber, 1996.
• Prendergast, Mark. The Ambient Century: From Mahler to Moby. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2000.

External Links

• AllMusic Guide to Ambient Music
• BBC Music - Ambient