Music, as an art in one form or another, permeates every human culture and is widely believed to have the power to reflect and influence human emotion. In modern times, the popularity of musical theatre, pop music and the widespread use of music in psychotherapy, geriatrics, and advertising testify to the faith that people still have in its capacity to affect the way we think and feel. Music is a protean art, lending itself easily to alliances with words, as in song, and with physical movement, as in dance. The variety of musical forms available today offers a bewildering profusion of styles, some contemporary, others engendered in past eras.
There are many different opinions on what music is and how it should be defined. It is widely accepted, however, that a work of music has the following qualities:
The ability to produce sounds that have an organised rhythm and pitch. The development of a language that can distinguish these sound qualities and communicate them to other people. The capacity to create a mental image of these sounds, a musical composition. The perception of a rhythm that corresponds to the natural world.
There is also a sense in which it is possible to classify some musical styles as being more ‘musical’ than others. The tempo of a piece, the range of notes used, and the quality of the instruments play an important part in whether something is classed as being ‘musical’. Ultimately, it is up to the listener to decide what works of music interest them.
Music was developed as an entertainment form in ancient times. The earliest instruments were probably made of bones and shells, while the oldest vocal recordings are thought to have been made by prehistoric humans. The earliest purposes of music appear to be for ritual, personal or communal entertainment, and communication.
It may be useful to categorise music by the types of emotional experiences that it provokes in a listener. These would include feelings of arousal, euphoria and happiness. Some music can also have a darker side, such as fear or sadness.
Having an open mind when listening to music can help you find more enjoyment from it. Try exploring new genres, or finding more in-depth information about the music you enjoy. This could be anything from learning about the history of the music and the musicians who created it, to experimenting with different sounds using different instruments. It is also worth exploring the various facets of music, such as texture, timbre and dynamics.
The more you understand about the technicalities of music, the more you will be able to appreciate it. For example, if you are a fan of classical music, it is worth trying out different versions of the same pieces to see how different interpretations of the same piece can change your experience of it. This is an excellent exercise in ‘listening with imagination’, which can enrich your understanding of the music and encourage you to explore it more deeply.