Have you ever found yourself tapping your foot and humming along to a tune that didn’t have any lyrics? There’s something about an instrumental song that can capture our attention and evoke emotion without the use of words. But what exactly do you call a song that only has music and no words?
Many people refer to this type of music as “instrumental music.” Essentially, it means that the song relies solely on the use of instruments to create a melody, rhythm, and overall vibe. Some people might also refer to it as “music without lyrics” or “non-vocal music.” Whatever you call it, instrumental music has been around for centuries and can be found in a wide range of genres, from classical music to jazz to electronic music.
While some may prefer music with lyrics that they can sing along to, others find that instrumental music offers a more immersive and emotional experience. Without words, listeners can focus solely on the sound and the feelings it evokes. Whether you’re looking to relax after a long day or get pumped up for a workout, instrumental music has the power to set the tone and help you feel more connected to the moment.
Instrumental Music
Instrumental music, as the name suggests, is music that does not include any lyrics or vocals. It is a form of music that solely relies on the use of instruments to create a narrative or tell a story. In contrast to vocal music, where the lyrics add depth to the melody, instrumental music has to rely on melody, harmony, and rhythm to express emotions and convey meaning. It has been observed that instrumental music has a powerful effect on the human brain and can evoke emotions in a way that words cannot.
Characteristics of Instrumental Music
- Instrumental music relies heavily on the use of musical instruments to create the melody and rhythm.
- It is free from any lyrical distractions, allowing the listener to focus solely on the music.
- Instrumental music is often used in movies, TV shows, and commercials to create a specific mood and convey emotions without the use of words.
Uses of Instrumental Music
Instrumental music has a wide range of uses, including:
- Background music in movies, TV shows, and commercials, to create a specific mood or setting.
- As a form of relaxation or stress relief.
- As a form of expression and creativity for the musician.
- As a form of entertainment for the listener.
The Evolution of Instrumental Music
Instrumental music has been around for centuries, with its roots tracing back to classical music. Over time, instrumental music has evolved and branched out into various genres, including jazz, blues, rock, and electronic music. With advancements in technology, instrumental music has also become more accessible to the masses, with anyone being able to create music on their smartphone or computer. Today, instrumental music continues to be an integral part of our lives, influencing our moods and emotions, and inspiring creativity and imagination.
Popular Instrumental Music
| Title | Composer | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Fur Elise | Ludwig van Beethoven | Classical |
| Autumn Leaves | Joseph Kosma | Jazz |
| The Great Gig in the Sky | Pink Floyd | Rock |
| Adagio for Strings | Samuel Barber | Orchestral |
There are countless examples of popular instrumental music, ranging from classical to modern genres. Some well-known instrumental music pieces include Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata,” Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons,” and Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”
Background Music
Background music refers to the instrumental music that is played in the background while a movie, TV show, advertisement, or video game is in progress. It serves a vital purpose in creating a mood, atmosphere, and emotion for the visuals and dialogue. Background music most often lacks lyrics, but it can include vocalizations, such as humming or yodeling, depending on the desired effect.
- Purpose: Background music serves as a tool for filmmakers and producers to enhance the emotional impact of a scene. For example, a tense scene in a horror movie would have eerie music to intensify the fear and suspense.
- Genres: There are various genres of background music, such as classical, jazz, rock, and electronic. The choice of genre depends on the desired mood and atmosphere for the scene.
- Production: Background music is usually composed by music producers, composers, or hired musicians. They work in close collaboration with the movie or video directors to achieve the desired effect.
Background music is also used in retail stores, restaurants, and public spaces to set the mood and ambiance. Research shows that playing fitting background music can increase customer satisfaction, encourage purchases, and enhance the overall experience.
Below is a table showing some examples of famous background music:
| Song | Movie/TV Show | Composer/Artist |
|---|---|---|
| Jaws Theme | Jaws | John Williams |
| The Imperial March | Star Wars | John Williams |
| Time | Inception | Hans Zimmer |
| Game of Thrones Theme | Game of Thrones | Ramin Djawadi |
As you can see, background music adds an element of emotional depth to movies, TV shows, and other creative productions. It is an essential tool for filmmakers and producers to create a memorable experience for the audience.
Film Scores
When a song has no lyrics, it can be a powerful tool for conveying emotion in film. It’s called a film score, and it’s a type of musical composition specifically created to accompany visual media such as movies, TV shows, and video games.
Why Film Scores Matter
- A film score can set the tone and mood of a scene, creating tension, sadness, or excitement.
- It can enhance the emotional impact of a story and help the audience connect with the characters.
- A good film score is often memorable and can become just as iconic as the film itself.
The Making of a Film Score
Creating a film score is a collaborative process between the composer, director, and other creative team members. The composer will watch the film or part of it, and then work with the director to determine the musical style, themes, and overall mood of the score.
Once the direction is determined, the composer will begin writing and recording the music, often working with a full orchestra to bring the score to life. The score is then edited and mixed into the final product, becoming an essential part of the cinematic experience.
Famous Film Scores
There have been countless iconic film scores throughout movie history, some of which include:
| Film Title | Composer | Key Themes |
|---|---|---|
| Star Wars | John Williams | The Force, Imperial March |
| Jaws | John Williams | The Shark Theme |
| The Godfather | Nino Rota | The Godfather Waltz |
These scores and many others have not only enhanced the movies they were created for but have also become beloved pieces of music themselves, outside of their original context.
Classical Music
Classical music has long been associated with instrumental compositions, largely due to its historical origins in symphonies and orchestral performances. Many of the world’s most famous composers, such as Mozart and Beethoven, created their signature pieces without any lyrics, relying instead on notes, melodies, and harmonies to convey their intended emotions and messages.
- Sonata form: This is a common framework used in classical music, which typically includes two to four movements. There is no requirement for lyrics in this format, as the focus is instead on the development of themes throughout each movement.
- Chamber music: This genre of classical music is written for small groups, often with only a few instruments involved. Without the need for a singer, these compositions can focus more heavily on melody and harmony than on lyrics.
- Ballets: Similar to opera, ballet performances often include a storyline, and the music for ballets is almost always instrumental.
Classical music is often appreciated for its complexity and technical skill, with many pieces featuring intricate arrangements and demanding performances. The lack of lyrics allows for a more universal understanding of the music, as the emotional messages can be interpreted in various ways based on the listener’s own experiences and perceptions.
| Composer | Composition |
|---|---|
| Ludwig van Beethoven | Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 |
| Johann Sebastian Bach | Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048 |
| Felix Mendelssohn | Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64 |
In short, classical music is a genre that has long been associated with instrumental compositions. Focusing heavily on melody, harmony, and the development of themes, these pieces can be appreciated for their intricate arrangements and demanding performances, with emotional messages that can be interpreted in various ways by different listeners.
Jazz Music
Jazz music is an incredibly diverse genre with roots dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While many jazz songs do contain lyrics, the genre is also well-known for its instrumental pieces. In fact, some of the most legendary jazz musicians are celebrated for their instrumental works.
The Beauty of Instrumental Jazz
- Instrumental jazz allows for complete artistic expression from the musician. It is a chance to showcase their unique skills and musical style.
- Without lyrics, the music can take center stage and transport the listener through a range of emotions without any prescribed words or themes.
- Instrumental jazz is often more technical than vocal jazz, as the musician must rely on their understanding of harmony and melody to make an engaging and emotive piece of music.
Melodic Improvisation in Jazz
Jazz is often associated with improvisation, which is the practice of creating music spontaneously. Instrumental jazz provides a perfect platform for musicians to showcase their ability to improvise. One of the hallmarks of jazz is melodic improvisation, where the musician creates new melodies on top of an existing chord progression. This creates unique and unrepeatable performances, as each improvisation is one-of-a-kind.
Some of the most impressive displays of melodic improvisation in jazz history can be found in the work of musicians such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and John Coltrane.
The Role of Instrumental Jazz in Modern Music
Instrumental jazz continues to inspire and influence musicians from a variety of genres. Its legacy can be heard in everything from rock to hip hop to electronic music. Aspiring producers and musicians can look to instrumental jazz for inspiration on complex chord progressions, melodic improvisation, and marrying different musical styles together.
Notable Instrumental Jazz Songs
| Song | Musician |
|---|---|
| “Take Five” | Dave Brubeck |
| “In A Sentimental Mood” | Duke Ellington |
| “Giant Steps” | John Coltrane |
These instrumental jazz songs are just a few examples of the diverse range of styles and musicians within the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz fan or just beginning to explore the world of instrumental music, there is something to discover and appreciate in instrumental jazz.
New Age Music
When a song has no words, it is often referred to as instrumental music. One subgenre of instrumental music that has gained popularity over the last few decades is New Age Music. This type of music is characterized by its soothing and meditative qualities, making it a popular choice for relaxation and wellness practices such as yoga, meditation, and massage.
- New Age Music originated in the 1980s as a fusion of different musical styles including jazz, classical, and world music.
- It often features electronic instruments and is known for its ethereal and atmospheric sound.
- New Age Music has been a controversial genre, with some critics dismissing it as “muzak” or elevator music.
Despite the controversy surrounding it, New Age Music has a loyal fan base and has proven to be a lucrative industry, with many artists achieving commercial success. Some notable New Age Music artists include Enya, Yanni, and Vangelis.
One of the defining features of New Age Music is its connection to spirituality and healing. Many artists in the genre incorporate themes of nature, mysticism, and spirituality into their music, making it a popular choice for practices that aim to promote wellbeing.
| Benefits of New Age Music | Examples of New Age Music Artists |
|---|---|
| – Reducing stress and anxiety – Enhancing mood – Promoting relaxation and meditation – Aiding sleep |
– Enya – Yanni – Vangelis – Jean-Michel Jarre – Kitaro |
Overall, New Age Music is a unique and diverse genre that has gained a large following. Its soothing and meditative qualities make it a great choice for relaxation and wellness practices, and its connection to spirituality and healing has allowed it to remain relevant and popular over the years.
Electronic Music
Electronic music is a genre that relies heavily on the use of electronic instruments such as synthesizers and drum machines. It’s a genre that has evolved significantly over the years, producing subgenres like techno, house, and trance music.
What is it Called When a Song Has No Words Just Music?
- Instrumental Music – This refers to music that is solely made up of instrumental sounds or music without vocals.
- Orchestral Music – This is music played exclusively by an orchestra, mainly using instruments like strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
- Classical Music – This refers to music compositions from the Western tradition that are typically written for a full orchestra or a small ensemble with instruments like the piano or a string quartet.
Electronic Instrumental Music
Electronic instrumental music usually consists of synthesized sounds, beats, and melodies without vocal accompaniment. It’s a genre that is known for its danceability, and its inception dates back to the 1970s when synthesizers became more accessible commercially.
Electronic instrumental music has diversified with the introduction of new electronic music instruments such as samplers, drum machines, and software synthesizers.
Electronic Instrumental Music Examples
| Genre | Artist | Track |
|---|---|---|
| Techno | Carl Cox | The Nite Life |
| House | Daft Punk | One More Time |
| Trance | Armin van Buuren | Intense |
Electronic instrumental music has influenced various genres of music, including film scores, commercials, and television shows. It continues to evolve with the advent of new technologies, making it an exciting genre to explore.
FAQs About What Is It Called When a Song Has No Words Just Music
1. What is a song without lyrics called?
A song without lyrics is called an instrumental.
2. Are there different types of instrumentals?
Yes, there are different types of instrumentals, including classical, jazz, electronic, and hip hop.
3. Can an instrumental be used in a movie or TV show?
Yes, instrumentals can be used in movies and TV shows to enhance the emotional impact of a scene.
4. Are instrumentals popular among listeners?
Yes, many listeners enjoy instrumental music as a way to relax and focus.
5. Can an instrumental still be copyrighted?
Yes, an instrumental can still be copyrighted as long as it meets the standards of originality and creativity.
6. What are some famous instrumental songs?
Some famous instrumental songs include “Clair De Lune” by Claude Debussy, “Chariots of Fire” by Vangelis, and “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin.
7. Can instrumentals be used for advertising?
Yes, instrumentals can be used for advertising to create a mood or feeling that aligns with the brand.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to read about what is a song without words called. Instrumentals have been a staple in music for centuries and continue to be enjoyed by listeners around the world. Whether you enjoy classical music, jazz, or electronic beats, there is an instrumental out there for everyone. We hope you come back again soon for more informative articles!