Prompt: Write a list of what is “Known” in your field and a list of what is “unknown,” at least as far as you understand it. What questions seem open for exploration? What are the assumptions within your field that inform how you might pursue those questions?
A few weeks ago this prompt would have been easy. In typical ego-centric Western fashion I would have launched into a long list of the ins and outs of “known” musical truths like (Western) harmony and rhythmic concepts. But I now realize, my head still reeling from that fateful Wednesday in English 225, that to do so would be to neglect numerous Eastern and indigenous traditions. In the West, for example, there are 12 notes. In India, however, there are four notes between every one of the Western pitches, and thus the concept of melody and harmony is much different. The same holds true rhythmically. The most complex tune I have ever played had 13 beats in each measure. In India, beat cycles can contain over 100 beats! Clearly, using a list of steadfast rhythmic/harmonic/melodic rules to represent the known qualities of music is naive. Thus, I’m reduced to using a much more liquid, emotive set of things to describe the “knowns” in music, based on my experience:
Great music comes from the heart, not the brain.
If it doesn’t come from the heart, the audience knows because something doesn’t feel quite right.
Matt,
ReplyDeleteFirst off, SWEET TITLE TO YOUR BLOG. I think it's hilarious!! Seriously, I thought that what you are saying on the known features of music, a study in which you have participated heavily in, there really are knowns, just it depends on who you ask. I also get the sense that there is a lot more to music than what we hear a people in my group have stated and are writing about in their Inquiry papers. For them, they make the claims that music can go as far as representing how you wish to be categorized in public and from reading your blog, I can understand some of the background that I am not familiar with on the passion that people posess for music. Thanks for helping me understand, and good luck with your Inquiry Paper,
Gilad
I am also not familiar with music theory, Western or otherwise. I like to see that you are thinking, though I am worried a bit that we overshot on that fateful day in English 225. I think I wanted to add a sense of perspectives and knowledge frames, but it sure keeps coming up, huh? I think it's great that you are looking at music theory in these ways.
ReplyDeleteMatt,
ReplyDeleteI too am not very familiar with music theory and was not aware that rhythms and beats varied in Eastern and Western nations. Thanks for the thoughtful post. It is interesting to think that something that seems so universal and can transcend across cultures still contains nuances that are unique to each culture. I agree that one thing that is known about music is that it must be heartfelt in order to have the intended effect on the audience and convey the passion of the musician.
-Payel