difficult music

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult music" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe music that is challenging to play, understand, or appreciate, often due to complex rhythms, harmonies, or structures. Example: "The concert featured a selection of difficult music that tested the skills of even the most experienced musicians."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only Christine Brandes had true vocal and musical poise in very difficult music.

The New York Times - Arts

His technique and his musical scrupulousness are simply beyond praise; in difficult music he is all business, giving beats and cues of impeccable clarity.

The New York Times - Arts

It's very difficult music".

The New York Times

Rand Steiger conducted some difficult music firmly.

The New York Times - Arts

As a composer of impenetrably difficult music.

The Guardian - Music

Mr. Hodgkinson played this difficult music well.

The New York Times

Not that it's "difficult" music, far from it.

The Guardian - Music

The soprano Susan Narucki negotiated Mr. Davidovsky's difficult music handsomely.

The New York Times - Arts

Sometimes, the steps even helped them make sense of difficult music.

The Economist

Trinity's account of this fiendishly difficult music dazzled the ears and mind.

The New Yorker

Exhibiting deep concentration and a whip-smart rapport, the ensemble worked deftly with some difficult music.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing music, consider the specific aspect that makes it "difficult": is it the technical demands, the complexity of the composition, or the challenge to understand its meaning? Be specific to provide better insight.

Common error

Avoid simply stating music is "difficult" without specifying why. This lacks informative value. Instead, explain what makes it challenging, such as intricate rhythms, atonal harmonies, or complex structures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult music" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "difficult" modifies the noun "music". It acts as a descriptor, categorizing a certain type of musical composition. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult music" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe music that presents challenges in performance, understanding, or appreciation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, most notably in news and media. While the term itself is neutral in register, the reasons for deeming music "difficult" can be quite subjective. For more precise writing, it's best to specify the nature of the difficulty, such as technical complexity or unconventional structure. Alternatives like "challenging music" or "complex music" may offer more nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging music

Replaces the word "difficult" with "challenging", maintaining a similar meaning.

technically difficult music

Specifies that the difficulty lies in the technical aspects of playing the music.

complex music

Substitutes "difficult" with "complex", highlighting the intricate nature of the music.

demanding music

Emphasizes the high level of skill and effort required to perform or understand the music.

intricate music

Focuses on the detailed and elaborate structure of the music.

musically challenging compositions

Rephrases the entire concept, emphasizing the compositional aspect and using "challenging".

sophisticated music

Suggests a higher level of complexity and refinement in the musical composition.

arduous musical pieces

Uses "arduous" to convey the demanding nature of the musical works.

complicated musical arrangements

Highlights the complexity in the arrangement of the music.

abstruse musical works

Emphasizes the obscurity or difficulty in understanding the music.

FAQs

What does "difficult music" typically refer to?

"Difficult music" usually refers to musical compositions that are challenging to perform, understand, or appreciate due to their complexity, technical demands, or unconventional structures.

What are some synonyms for "difficult music"?

Some alternatives to "difficult music" include "challenging music", "complex music", or "demanding music" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How do I use the phrase "difficult music" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult music" to describe a piece, a composer's style, or a performer's repertoire. For instance, "The concert featured several pieces of difficult music that showcased the orchestra's skill."

Is "difficult music" a subjective term?

Yes, the perception of "difficult music" can be subjective, as it depends on the listener's musical background, experience, and preferences. What one person finds challenging, another may find engaging.