The sophisticated listener is generally aware of the elements of Western music and the history of its development, along with the evolution through creative synthesis of numerous genre forms. There may also be, perhaps, some knowledge of archaic styles, non-Western sound compositions, and diverse cultural contexts related to musical ceremony and ritual. This information can be acquired by experience and academic studies as well.
But all this is "given" in terms of the appreciation of music. It is the standard norm in understanding, and the accepted received wisdom.
Far less often encountered in regard to the sound arts is an attitude of questioning and curiosity, and speculation regarding other possible interpretations and applications of auditory phenomena that may suggest other purposes and aesthetically pleasing experiences is rare. These are simple questions:
Why is this the state and order of things? What else might there be of equal or greater moment and value?
Yet, absent this spirit of inquiry, there is only stasis.
But all this is "given" in terms of the appreciation of music. It is the standard norm in understanding, and the accepted received wisdom.
Far less often encountered in regard to the sound arts is an attitude of questioning and curiosity, and speculation regarding other possible interpretations and applications of auditory phenomena that may suggest other purposes and aesthetically pleasing experiences is rare. These are simple questions:
Why is this the state and order of things? What else might there be of equal or greater moment and value?
Yet, absent this spirit of inquiry, there is only stasis.
