The term 'Soothing Music' has become exceedingly overused and is loosely applied to a complete range of diverse styles. For all intents and purposes it is soothing music intended to generate positive feelings, inspiration and relaxation.

The style initially appeared in the 1970's in Asia with artists such as Kitaro developing what was at that time spacey sounding futuristic compositions by using banks of synthesizers. Kitaro would often render performances of the impressionist compositions of Debussy.

Nowadays, the characteristic calming sound is perhaps made up of sustained synth pads with sequenced runs repeating in the background, this is frequently accompanied by an underlying drone bass or pedal giving a somewhat spellbinding and relaxing effect.

This is the sort of music normally used for massages, healing sessions or other therapies.

You'll find however a lot more diverse styles that are bundled together in the New Age Music genre. There may be quite a lot of melodic music, some piano based or maybe around some other solo instrument. There is a greater than ever trend of using classical instruments alongside the dreamy sythesized sounds. This is sometimes referred to as neo-classical.

The 'New Age' label has become a genre group of its own encompassing several of the subsequent sub genres;

Alternative

Ambient

Celtic

Energy Healing

Ethnic Fusion

Healing

 

Nature

Neo-Classical

New Age

Progressive Electronic

Relaxation

Solo Instrumental

Space

Techno-Tribal

As you are able to see the term 'calming music' has grown to be somewhat overworked and today the term encompasses a great deal more than simply the classic 'wallpaper' music that it has become famous for.

Musician and composer Andy Bramhill writes about new age music on his website where it's possible get the latest details on his own CDs now offered for download.

http://andybramhill.com

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