Germany is a rich country known far and beyond for its numerous contribution to all aspects of the world. Germany, regarded as the land of great composers. Their works can be heard from all over the world and even in places like concert halls, cathedrals, and churches throughout the German’s historic cities. German music has a musical history going back to the landmark icons such as Mozart, the deaf genius Beethoven, Wagner, Brahms, Bach, Hildegard von Bingen and even the Pied Piper of Hamelin. The precision and timelessness of their compositions enthral aficionados till the modern times when punk rock and heavy metal bands hold sway.
The 16th century marked the beginning of classical music in Germany, and this enjoyed a reign of several hundred years and is still kept alive till this day. The famous Three Bs where inarguably the one who put the country on the musical map of the world. German hit song from the 1960’s known as the Deutsche Schlager is still favoured by the older generation and the melodies often burst out when the time is right.
The 17th century however marked by the Renaissance period saw the emergence of famous composers like Desprez, while the Baroque period brought forth Johann Sebastian Bach (best acknowledged for his contributions to the Baroque style of music. Some of his favourite works include Brandenburg Concertos along with the preludes and fugues in the music titled The Well-Tempered Clavier) Monteverdi, Vivaldi, and Handel.
The late 19th century greeted the world with geniuses such as Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Hayden who earned credits for their excellent skills. The following period after this is known as the romantic period enjoyed the music of Brahms, Bruckner, Wagner, and Strauss among others. Though the classics dominated the history of music in Germany early, there was a class of music popularly enjoyed by the middle class, working class and the other sections of the society. These traditional rhymes and ditties came down through the generation and are unique to particular regions.
During the 20th century, German music broke further ground and came under the influence of British and American music. German bands such as the Alphaville, Dire Straits, the Scorpions made their presence felt internationally through the 1970s and 1980s. Heavy metal bands and Gothic music were mostly favourite in Germany. The electro-pop group Kraftwerk caught the attention of the world with their electronic sound that stood out from the rest of the world. East Germany contributed to the music world in the form of Rammstein of the 1990’s, an outfit that had no limitation.
Hip-hop soon entered the music scene in Germany and broke dancing became a trending art form. Groups such as the Fettes Brot, Die Fantastischen Vier, and Advanced Chemistry became extensively popular. The immigrant group found a release in hip-hop, and it became identified with their angst.
Around the 2000’s, there was a significant rise in gangster rap culture with groups known as Aggro Berlin holding sway. German musical scene has come a long way and has established their domination on the world music charts. It will be interesting to note that when music was a more peaceful occupation than it is now, most famous carols, ditties, and rhymes that are now part of everyday life have their roots in Germany. For example, Twinkle, twinkle little star Mozart composed and that most famous Christmas carol Silent Night was composed by German Franz Guber.
