Mythology
and folklore speak of music as a magical force.
Sounds associated with enchantment and sorcery are at a far distance from contemporary understanding, being associated with narratives of extraordinary
events. But there is more.
When music is central to tales of the strange and
paranormal, attempts to evoke its nature falter. It is invariably described as otherworldly,
beautiful, mystical... and altogether unlike anything that would fit a modern
definition of "music". It defies memory of rhythm and melody, leaving only a deep, lasting impression of high strangeness.
The composer would do well who would evoke, and repeatedly express, this formlessness.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments opened Jan. 2016. All comments moderated, out of respect for the intelligence of the audience.