Imagine yourself in an elevator, the doors close, the machine begins to move up or down, and you are greeted by a soft melody that seems to hang in the air. This music, specially composed for elevators, is one of those details of everyday life that, although often overlooked, plays a subtle but significant role in our experience. But who are the composers who perfected this subtle art of harmonizing the confined space of elevator cabins? And how do they create these tunes which often remain engraved in our memory, sometimes in spite of ourselves?
Aspirations in Music: A Journey in the Elevator
Few authentic spatial experiences offer the ability to so distinctly contrast the bustling life of the street with a moment of solitude floating between floors. Elevator music is often calm, non-imposing, designed for an audience in transition rather than attentive. One might wonder which is more surprising: that these melodies are often so memorable, or that their creation is both art and function and musical psychology?
It should be noted that, although we use the term “elevator music” in a general way, various establishments such as hotels, department stores or offices can deploy this sound practice with ambiances. specific musical songs linked to their brand, to their target audience or even to the time of day.
Discreet harmony: The assassins of silence
Elevator music composers are often unknown, without public faces or record charts. Their work is silent but oh so crucial for the building, retail and hospitality industry. Their music should be soft, enough not to weigh down the atmosphere, but not so much that it goes unnoticed. It must evoke tranquility, but also security and modernity in certain contexts.
Creating such compositions requires aural and imaginative finesse. These are not easy melodies: they have to be evocative and then fade away as soon as the elevator doors open. Although there is no dedicated curriculum for composing elevator music, many composers acquired this skill through their classical or contemporary studies before specializing.
Tonal balance: Science and intuition
In the past, elevator music often consisted of instrumental versions of pop songs or jazz standards. Today things are a little more complex. Composers must now take into account advances in sound science and music psychology to create melodies that, on an almost unconscious level, positively influence the occupants’ moods.
The current practice of elevator composition is based on well-established basic principles, but the most skillful composers add a touch of original creativity. They play with rhythm, harmony and timbre to create enveloping melodies, without sacrificing consistency. The frequencies of instruments and sounds also play a role, with some “purer” sounds being perceived as more peaceful.
The Symphony of the Future: Technology and Trends
With the rise of digital music and new audio technologies, elevator music composition has also evolved. Composers experiment with synthetic sounds and new acoustic combinations. Sound processing algorithms help create compositions adapted to the specific acoustics of these small spaces.
The future of elevator music could also be refined through data analysis and user feedback. Intelligent audio systems could adjust songs in real time based on traffic patterns, waiting time, or even the general mood of passengers. This marriage of art and data could take the concept of elevator music to new heights, providing an even more personalized and subtle experience.
The Masters of Vertical Melody: Examples of Famous Composers
If elevator music composers remain, for the most part, in the shadows, it is interesting to note that some have gained a certain notoriety. Names such as Roger Roger, Muzak (even if the brand seems to be used less and less) or Brian Eno are among the best known in this field.
Roger Roger, a 20th-century French composer, notably contributed to popularizing background music through his companies and productions. The “Bibliotheque Music”, which he founded, became a pillar of background music for commercial use, including in elevators.
As for Brian Eno, British composer and former member of the rock group Roxy Music, he created a movement called the ambient music or “music for spaces”. He may not have composed specifically for elevators, but his musical experiments greatly influenced the genre.
Musical reflections
Elevator music, although forgotten once we reach the right floor, continues to play an inspiring and subtle role in our lives. It accompanies us without forcing us to listen to it and creates small moments of spacious awareness in our daily lives. It’s an art that goes well beyond the elevator, touching on the complex relationship between music and the environment, and how it can influence our emotions and perception.
Who composes elevator music? They are discreet and talented creators who are the sound architects of our homes and our travels. Their creations, although often in the background, deserve to be listened to, studied, and appreciated for their quiet but powerful contribution to the symphony of our modern urban lives.
