most of the posts on the first page concern classical/neoclassical composers; and some more modern composers have been added, which can be described as jazz (or jazz-like)
compared to the breadth of classicism, jazz compositions usually cannot convey the same magnitude of expression; but still it's pretty close. The difference prolly lies in versatility of the violin
Hierarchal organization of musical breadth (or this is how I conceptualize music)
Compositions
- complex theory, complex progressions,
--- extended (length of a symphony)
--- not so lengthy (length of a tune)
Arrangements
- theory; less complex chord progression; typically around the length of a tune
Tunes
- basic theory shapes chord progressions
---pure instrumental
---instruments and vocals
Songs
- simple chord progressions
---lyrics
Melodies
- "catchy" ordering of musical notes
---
Rhythms and beats
- the backbone of music
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Classicism
- involves in-depth theory, many instruments, very complex progressions
Jazz
- involves circle of fifths and other subsequent theory; many brass instruments, pretty complex progressions
Progressive (Synphonic) rock
- very similar to jazz (composition-wise); can have quite complex progressions
Reggae & Funk
- based on blues, jazz; guitar is usually simple; but the horns can get pretty funkadelic and def use theory
the Blues
- generally 12 & 16 bars blues; used circle of fifths; obviously Hendrix entirely transcends these typifying characterizations
Rock
- (alot of variation here); 8, 12, & 16 bars for chord progressions; also can be a 4 chord progression or even I - IV - V (or I - V - IV )
Country; folk
- usually 4 chord progression; I bet Willy Nelson does not hold himself to this; but traditionally country and folk are considered simple forms of music
Pop
- most modern pop tunes are a 4 bar chord progression
(These are just characteristic elements of the music. Just as everything does, music evolves.)
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Tribal chants!
Niyabinghi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niyabinghi_chants
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Notable jazz composers that have not been mentioned:
Miles Davis
Duke Ellington
John Coltrane
Progressive rock:
Rush!
2112 epitomizes the genre of symphonic rock
Reggae:
there are so many greats
there is this one band from Southern California who is internationally-known and has collaborated on a tune with the reggae-legends of the Congos
~ Groundation ~ mixes reggae with jazz; arrangements often include improvisation
Funk:
Tower of Power
Saying that Hip hop involves musical composition is being pretty broad-minded; but tribal chants and hip hoppers (in at least one way) compose rhythm. And rhythm is just as complex as melodic theory. Melody can be learned through studious endeavors; yet, rhythmic comprehension is most fully understood through experiencing and feeling the music.
A tribe called quest featured Ron Carter in at least one album; so they are included
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Tribe_Called_Quest
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Carter
And back to classicism...
Terry Riley
has some pretty far-out-there sounds
Terry Riley - A Rainbow in a curved air - 1969
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8263344839456830332&q=Terry+Riley&ei=St1_SLyXI5DA4AKBgNWOCw
A person can bet that Riley's compositions are going to be trippy
; the appearance of the experienced fella says it all
