Thanks to Rebekah for the report on the music of Ravel. It was very enlightening and I was once again struck by his genius, his creativity, and mostly his commitment to musical excellence. Every piece he wrote is a gem, worth hearing, difficult to perform, emotionally charging, and shimmering with energy. In addition, he was one of the great orchestrators of all time as demonstrated in Pictures at an Exhibition. Ravel's language is that of neo-classicism, impressionism, modality, tonality, and layers of sounds.
Our brief discussion on functional versus non-functional harmony took us to a new understanding of why composers began to seek out other forms of musical expression. Does a 7th chord have to resolve to the tonic? Are there appropriate uses of parallel fifths or unprepared modulations or equality of pitch? Can planing or the breaking of the harmonic series have purpose? Does all music have to be in Sonata-Allegro form? Is there a place for other instruments or sounds in music? What is music?
All these questions and more shaped and continue to shape the music of today. As we continue to learn the details of composers, their languages, their influences, and way music is put together, keep in mind that we are expanding the definition of excellence in music.
So honestly folks, what kind of music do you prefer? What is the first thing you hope to hear when you get in your car?
Just curious!
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I'm not really a fan of form in music. At least not form in the sense that you strictly adhere to a certain measure/harmonic ratio. Like classical forms.
ReplyDeleteIf my car had a radio, I'd have to say the first thing I'd want to hear is Jazz. Something upbeat, something outside... something...Chick Corea.
Well, the first thing I generally hear in my car would either be Ben Folds or Regina Spektor depending on the CD rotation.
ReplyDeleteAs for the type of music I like; I think it is hard to choose. I know which type of music I perform the best, which is Baroque. Give me a melesmatic passage any day over a long note phrase. It also helps to have a vibrato as rapid as a machine gun. (Maybe that is not the best analogy) or Snow White on caffeine pills. (That one is better).
I think I've heard such vibrato..... I'm not sure I like it though. Tell me what you think?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-F-iQPALy0
I believe that, like others most likely, breaking harmonic series in music will evoke specific emotions that some other music will not. (think about what someone's face looks like when they listen to Mozart) It can create a feeling that one might not expect.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I decide to listen to music intentionally, I wanna hear something like Debussy and other impressionistic sound. I like to listen to Indian music. I also like to listen to folk music: woody guthrie, bob dylan, pete seeger, and even CONOR OBERST. I like to listen to "classic rock" as well. And so on...
what's amazing about that vibrato is that it seems to be natural. It's just hard to imagine what the vocal chords look like when her voice sounds like that. She also, from what I can tell, sings from her throat which I like because it has a crisp sound to it.
ReplyDeletehmmm, Pedro I can't decide if I like it. Maybe not. Just a touch extreme for my ears. Makes me a little nervous, maybe I have been around goats too much!
ReplyDeleteI'll admit it, the first thing I want to hear when I get in my car is Country music. If I don't like what's being played or that station is on commercial, I will switch it to the Contemporary Christian station.
ReplyDelete