The Tao of Music
November 7th 2006 13:05
"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." ~ Victor Hugo
Music, as stated above, is a method of communication that allows us to express those subjects in which words prove inadequate. This expressive quality, found not only in music but in all true art forms, has the peculiar ability to stimulate emotions and feelings in a very profound way. It affects our mood, the way in which we perceive things and subsequently our lives in general. For both the listener and the performer, music can provide stimulation, a feeling of connection or escapism depending on our state of mind. Anyone who plays a musical instrument is aware of its therapeutic and even meditative qualities, especially so when we speak in such abstract terms as 'feeling the music' or 'letting it flow through you'. The highest attainment in any art is the ability to express ones self honestly and therefore to "Know Thyself" as Socrates proclaimed. It is for this reason that I suggest music can be used as a path towards spiritual understanding and enlightenment.
In my opinion there are two main perspectives from which to view music as a system of self development or two lessons which we can learn that can be compared to Yin & Yang.
The Yin, representing darkness or the passive force, can be seen as a musicians role in an orchestra or band. In such a position the musician is forced to view himself as just a small part of the whole. In an orchestra there is no room for improvisation and little opportunity for self expression, the purpose is to provide support for, and enhance the playing of all the other musicians for the sake of the greater cause (the piece of music being performed). This kind of role forces one to lose self importance while at the same time knowing you are an essential part of the finished product. Like a cog in a machine, there are a million like it and theres nothing special about it, yet at the same time, if it was to break the whole machine would cease to function. The ego is annihilated by destroying the idea that we are somehow different, or even better, than others but at the same time we realise that we are all essential parts of a greater whole.
The Yang, representing light or the active force, can be seen as any of those roles based on improvisation or with the emphasis on yourself, such as Jazz, solo performance or lead guitar in a rock band. It is in these roles that ones artistic creativity and self expression really come into play. In this scenario both the performer and the audience are given a glimpse of the players emotion and inner feelings. We can learn a great deal about ourselves and the way we react to different situations by observing the way we express ourselves. For example, when playing a melancholy piece it is worth noting wether we play it with aggression, regret or sorrow. It is easy to see wether we feel the need to show off with technical ability or wether we express ourselves more honestly with simple repitition, neither can be considered better or worse than the other, just reflections of different personalities.
It is also important to remember that Yin is within Yang, as Yang is within Yin. The true musician knows never to sacrifice the song for the ego. Jimi Hendrix, arguably the greatest show off in the history of music, is quoted as saying "Technically, I am not even a guitar player, all I play is truth and emotion." Thus the Yang of technical ability and exhibitionism becomes Yin with its complete lack of ego. The greatest art doesnt come from inside an indiviual, it comes through them.
The Yin Yang Symbol
In my opinion there are two main perspectives from which to view music as a system of self development or two lessons which we can learn that can be compared to Yin & Yang.
The Yin, representing darkness or the passive force, can be seen as a musicians role in an orchestra or band. In such a position the musician is forced to view himself as just a small part of the whole. In an orchestra there is no room for improvisation and little opportunity for self expression, the purpose is to provide support for, and enhance the playing of all the other musicians for the sake of the greater cause (the piece of music being performed). This kind of role forces one to lose self importance while at the same time knowing you are an essential part of the finished product. Like a cog in a machine, there are a million like it and theres nothing special about it, yet at the same time, if it was to break the whole machine would cease to function. The ego is annihilated by destroying the idea that we are somehow different, or even better, than others but at the same time we realise that we are all essential parts of a greater whole.
Jimi Hendrix (1942 - 1970)
It is also important to remember that Yin is within Yang, as Yang is within Yin. The true musician knows never to sacrifice the song for the ego. Jimi Hendrix, arguably the greatest show off in the history of music, is quoted as saying "Technically, I am not even a guitar player, all I play is truth and emotion." Thus the Yang of technical ability and exhibitionism becomes Yin with its complete lack of ego. The greatest art doesnt come from inside an indiviual, it comes through them.
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Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Krissy
Comment by Gareth
Yes, all my favourite songs are associated with memories and different eras of my life in my mind. I dont think Ive ever met anyone who doesn't like any kind of music. It seems to be more a matter of what music you like rather than whether or not you like music at all.
Thanks for the comment.
Gareth
Comment by tezza4eva
As per usual i agree with what ur saying dude,good stuff, good Jimmi Quotage too,
keep it up bro
Comment by Gareth
Thanks, its a great compliment to have my writing reffered to as an art. Jimi quotes are always good, I have loads of them in my collection of quotes. This one is my favourite "Have you ever been experienced.....Not necessarily stoned, just beautiful"
Thanks for the comment
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
In a concert I watched once, the performer, this classical pianist guy, said something I always think about:
"Music is a reflection of the society we live in."
Comment by Gareth
Thanks for the comment
I would go even further and say Music, or any form of art, is an expression of the artist and their interpretation of the world they live in.