What to Listen for in Music
One of the most beautiful works of art I've ever come across in my search for wisdom and soul liberation.
Why a book about what to listen for in music?
According to the poet, in order to get the most out of music, you must listen to more of it. Those who do not care for music will disagree with his assessment.
The essence of music
What to Listen for in Music is a unique book in the sense that instead of focusing more on the philosophical origins of music, it gives an insight into the real essence of music. The book was written in the year 1939, at this time very little was known about music. Nonetheless, Copland provides elaborate ways of identifying good music.
The Basic Foundation of Good Music
The book explains what the listener should know about and pay keen attention to when listening to classical music (of any period). The book What to Listen For In Music is divided into different segments and thoughts.
The Creative Process
To begin with, the author talks about the basic foundation of good music. He calls this stage the creative process. He argues that there is a general misconception about composers. The book presents its arguments that most composers wait for inspiration to compose a song. He argues that music composition is a natural process that is more than sleep. Sleep comes naturally, and an inspiration to sleep is never solicited and so is music composition.
The Different Categories of Composers
The process of composing musical lyrics should be a natural one inspired by nature. He argues that any composition starts with a real musical idea. The book further categorizes composers into three. The inspired composer - this group of composers is characterized by their ability to produce massive amounts of music as the music flows from within. Then we have the constructive composers - these composers start with a theme and build on it. Finally, we have the traditional composers who take up the music of their period and better it more than any other person.
The Elements of Good Music
The next stage of his writing he covers the elements of music that every good piece of music should have. Good music should have a good rhythm. The notes to the music should be well coordinated. Also, a good music should have a good melody. He puts it clear that since the rhythm is connected to us in our physical motion, then the melody of the song should be connected to our mental motion. At this point, Copland discusses keys and scales as these are the key ingredients of melody. Good music should also have a great harmony in composition. Finally, he addresses the tone color to any good music. Copland outlines all the difference between music done in mixed colors (sound of multiple instruments) and one color (the sound of a single instrument).
The Texture of Music
Copland further describes how the texture of the music should be arranged. In this case, the texture he is referring to is how the elements of music must be combined to give one great composition. He further elaborates the textures. The textures of a good classical music should either be a monophonic texture which is made out of a single unaccompanied melodic line. Secondly, we have the homophonic texture. This music comprises of melodic lines that have chordal accompaniments. Lastly, there is the polyphonic texture in which two or more independent melodies are played together.
Musical Structures (Forms)
Additionally, the book introduces us to the various musical structures (forms). The book takes us through the two forms of music. The free structured music and the music that relies on repetition. The book explains further about the various types of repetition. Copland talks of regular repetition which involves the combination of separate systems into one. There is repetition by variation where the structure of the section relies on what is being played each time it is played. Finally, we have repetition by development.
Opera Music
In an unprecedented turn of events, the book takes a different angle and shifts the attention to opera music. Copland addresses the various avenues that one can take to pursue music outside the concert hall. This chapter is dedicated to ensuring that the merits of opera are made known to all; this is because at this point few people thought opera had any benefits.
Contemporary Modern Music
Lastly, the book addresses the issue of contemporary modern music. This chapter provides the author's thoughts on the different views that the public has for the modern music. Copland urges the listeners to train listening more to understand the modern music thoroughly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, music is the best therapy for the soul. A well-composed music offers the best form of relaxation to the mind. Therefore, it should be the composers' duty to prepare an excellent piece of art for their consumers. On the other hand, listeners should listen more to enjoy the goodness of music. They should do so with an insight as to what to listen for in music as highlighted above.
