Pronunciation: [tɹˈans mjˈuːzɪk] (IPA) 
The proper spelling of the electronic music genre referred to as "trance music" is /træns ˈmjuzɪk/. The "tr" cluster at the beginning is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar fricative, similar to the "ch" sound in "church." The vowel sound in the first syllable is pronounced as a short "a" sound, while the "e" at the end of "trance" is silent. The "s" in "music" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar sibilant.
Trance music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the late 1980s. It is characterized by its high-tempo beats, hypnotic melodies, and repetitive synthesizer patterns. Trance music is designed to create a hypnotic and euphoric state in the listener, inducing a trance-like experience or altered state of consciousness.
The genre typically features a steady 4/4 beat with a tempo ranging from 125 to 150 beats per minute. Synthesizers are a prominent element in trance music, with their melodic lines often creating a sense of uplift and progression. The melodies in trance tracks are often characterized by their ethereal and otherworldly qualities, often achieved through the use of layered and atmospheric soundscapes.
Trance music is known for building and releasing tension throughout a track, often through the use of intricate layering and seamless transitions. It commonly employs dramatic breakdowns, where the energy and intensity momentarily decline before building up again to powerful climaxes. These climactic moments are often marked by the addition of emphatic beats and soaring melodies, creating a sense of euphoria and emotional release.
In addition to its musical elements, trance music often incorporates a strong visual and aesthetic component in live performances, with dazzling light shows and elaborate stage setups being common features of trance events. The genre has also branched out into various subgenres over the years, including progressive trance, uplifting trance, and psytrance, each with their own distinct characteristics and fan bases.
The word "trance" in the context of music originates from the late 19th century and has its roots in the Old French word "transe", meaning a state of stupor or deep meditation. This was derived from the Latin word "transīre", which means "to go across" or "to pass over". The term "trance" was initially used to describe a condition of altered consciousness, where a person transcends their normal state of awareness.
In the context of music, "trance" refers to a genre characterized by its repetitive beats, synthesized melodies, and hypnotic soundscapes capable of inducing a trance-like state in the listener. The specific term "trance music" began to be widely used in the 1990s, as the genre gained popularity, particularly in the dance and electronic music scenes.
