Musical Sound Communicates Meaning Part 3

Musical Sound Communicates Meaning Part 3

            Based on the authority and import of this Scripture, I am drawn to the philosophical conclusion that it is the responsibility of each Christian musician to gain the knowledge necessary to ascertain what “the joyful sound” is.  In order to accomplish this difficult task one must gain understanding of the internal formal properties of each selection of music that he or she listens to or performs.  I have contended for years that the formal properties of music communicate a message to everyone who performs or listens or performs them.

            I also believe that no one is capable of musicing actively or passively in a “bubble”.  Music is not in its own little world with its meaning being “its own” with no relationship to life.  I also reject the lack-luster music philosophy that music is not capable of saying or communicating anything at all.  Music is not a meaningless benign art.  From the time of Plato and Aristotle, many music philosophers have believed that music is a powerful art.  These music philosophers have believed over past centuries that music can and does have an emotional and moral effect on the performer and auditor.  In fairness I must admit that a host of twentieth century music philosophers believed that, although music did have meaning, that its meaning was its own and was in no way related to life.   

Thought for the Day-

One of the reasons I believe that a musician is what he or she listens to and performs is because I also believe that musical direction determines destiny.