third stream

music

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

"Third stream" refers to music that blends elements of classical music and jazz. This concept emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, though composers had been incorporating jazz into classical music and vice versa for decades.12

Key characteristics of third stream music include:
* Fusion: It combines the structures and techniques of classical music with the improvisation and rhythms of jazz.2
* Two-way Influence: Unlike earlier trends, third stream saw a mutual exchange of ideas between classical and jazz musicians.2
* Broader Scope: The concept also extended to integrating ethnic and vernacular music traditions.2

While the term "third stream" is used less frequently today, its ideal of true musical fusion continues to influence contemporary music, sometimes referred to as crossover, fusion, or world music.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

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jazz
Jazz meets classical and the third stream begins
Contributor Callout Read Britannica’s biography of Gunther Schuller, the author of this article and a noted composer, performer, conductor, teacher, and writer.
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Contributor Callout Read Britannica’s biography of Gunther Schuller, the author of this article and a noted composer, performer, conductor, teacher, and writer.
Read More

Gunther Schuller
…he had coined the term third stream to describe the confluence of jazz and classical techniques. Many of his other compositions fused jazz elements with classical forms.
Read More
…he had coined the term third stream to describe the confluence of jazz and classical techniques. Many of his other compositions fused jazz elements with classical forms.
Read More