In this chapter, Merriam makes the distinction between uses and functions
of music and then goes on to describe what he takes to be the universal
functions of music. Use is described as a sort of the basic “what’s” of music that
are presented as descriptive facts. Functions, on the other hand, help answer
the “why” questions of music and are concerned with “the reasons for its
employment and particularly the broader purpose which it serves” (210). Merriam also
presents the four major ways the word “function” has been used in
ethnomusicology. However, his main concern of this chapter is concerned with
the last type of function, where function “may be taken to mean the specific
effectiveness of any element whereby it fulfills the requirements of the
situation” (211). This chapter ultimately leads to Merriam taking this
definition of function and broadening it to describe what he finds to be the 10
universal/major functions of music.
EDIT:
I somehow forgot about this part of the instructions: "In comments, after reading Merriam’s Chapter 11, choose any three types of music (one should be the type you are working on in your project, and at least one should not have been mentioned in the chapter by Merriam). For each, describe the music and analyze what you believe to be its function(s) using Merriam’s notion of musical function (pp. 223-227). Your goal is to try to find all of his functions across your three types of music, or get as many as you can."
I left the irrelevant parts of what I typed earlier at the bottom of this post in case anyone feels like reading that. Anyway, for reference, these are the 10 musical functions Merriam lists:
1) The function of emotional expression
2) The function of aesthetic enjoyment
3) The function of entertainment
4) The function of communication
5) The function of symbolic representation
6) The function of physical response
7) The function of enforcing conformity to social norms
8) The function of validation of social institutions and religious rituals
9) The function of contribution to the continuity and stability of culture
10) The function of contribution to the integration of society
PRE-EDIT POST:
EDIT:
I somehow forgot about this part of the instructions: "In comments, after reading Merriam’s Chapter 11, choose any three types of music (one should be the type you are working on in your project, and at least one should not have been mentioned in the chapter by Merriam). For each, describe the music and analyze what you believe to be its function(s) using Merriam’s notion of musical function (pp. 223-227). Your goal is to try to find all of his functions across your three types of music, or get as many as you can."
I left the irrelevant parts of what I typed earlier at the bottom of this post in case anyone feels like reading that. Anyway, for reference, these are the 10 musical functions Merriam lists:
1) The function of emotional expression
2) The function of aesthetic enjoyment
3) The function of entertainment
4) The function of communication
5) The function of symbolic representation
6) The function of physical response
7) The function of enforcing conformity to social norms
8) The function of validation of social institutions and religious rituals
9) The function of contribution to the continuity and stability of culture
10) The function of contribution to the integration of society
PRE-EDIT POST:
One
part of the article that stood out for me was the mention of a supposed difference
between pure and applied art. In the context of music, Western art music is
generally regarded as pure, whereas TV, radio, and movie music are regarded as
some examples of applied music. What bothers me with this distinction is how
does one define pure music and such a thing even exists. If pure music means
that the music carries no meaning, then I find this concept difficult to
accept. If it carries no meaning, then it probably should not satisfy any of
the universal functions of music that Merriam describes, except for maybe
aesthetic enjoyment. But even then, does the music one creates and performs not
contribute or take away from some music culture? The music one creates is also
affected by one’s exposure to different traditions of music and carries some
message about those traditions. Additionally, music is organized sound, and the
process in which we organize that sound is not some completely random activity that
does not carry some message. Even if I take the first several hundred numbers I
get out of a random number generator and then find a way to map these numbers
to sounds to create a song, my song would not be completely devoid of meaning. This
indeterminate song says something about both me and my music tradition(s) and carries
some message that I may be trying to send. It can represent my desire to break
free from the ordered structures of popular Western music, the unpredictability
of life, or some other deep message.
This wikipedia article talks about pure music and some of the debate surrounding it. It might be worth looking at. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_music
This wikipedia article talks about pure music and some of the debate surrounding it. It might be worth looking at. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_music
The three types of music I have chosen to analyze using the Merriam’s notion of musical function are: jazz (my project focus), metal, and blues.
ReplyDeleteJazz is often considered to be “the American music.” It is difficult to come up with a specific description that will encompass all of jazz because of the many styles that have developed over the past 100 hundred years. Two common characteristics of the genre are improvisation and syncopation.
Jazz functions as a medium for emotional expression, symbolic representation, and an (in)validation of social institutions. Listen to “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4ZyuULy9zs). This piece is a perfect example for the aforementioned functions of jazz. The lyrics to the song exposed American racism. Full of emotion, the lyrics symbolize the hanging African American corpses as “strange fruit.” Racism and the lynching of African Americans was common in America at the time. Jazz served as a medium for artists to express their frustration with the way things were happening--Billie Holiday exemplifies this function in “Strange Fruit.”
Jazz can also function as a medium for aesthetic enjoyment and physical response. The Swing Era filled music halls with people dancing through the aisles. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mJ4dpNal_k)
Metal is genre of rock characterized by distortion, virtuosic guitar solos, relatively fast tempos, and an overall heavily amplified sound. It is a very aggressive style of music that definitely caters to a specific niche.
Metal, however, functions as a medium for aesthetic enjoyment, entertainment, emotional expression, and physical response. Some people listen to music for the virtuosity displayed by musicians such as Alexi Laiho and Janne Warman of Children of Bodom (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tfo2SwdX7T0). Metal is often plagued by lyrics filled with anger and can be interpreted as a mechanism for emotional release. This emotional release is also displayed in the culture of “moshing.” Moshing is a form of dance in which participants push and slam into one another. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOgbidVfRF4)
Blues is a form of music that originated in African-American communities in the American South during the 19th century. Blues music is characterized by blue notes and specific chord progressions such as the twelve-bar blues.
Blues music can function as a mechanism for the continuity and stability of a culture, communication, and a contribution to the integration of society. Blues music contains several African retentions that helped maintain African culture in the communities in which it originated. Field hollers and spirituals were used as a form of communication and helped integrate members of society by requiring the participation of every member in the group.
1) K-pop
ReplyDelete- It is definitely a function of emotional expression. A lot of these songs express some form of love.
- It is obviously a function of entertainment.
- Physical response includes cheering, dancing, and singing along.
- Symbolic representation – among other things, these songs say a lot about what the public likes and what the record labels think what the public likes.
- Enforcing conformity to social norms - There exists a South Korean government agency that regulates music in South Korea. If the government deems it improper for whatever reason, the song and/or music video can be banned from radio and TV play. With such, Kpop artists often mold their songs to fit these standards.
- The function of contribution to the continuity and stability of culture seems like a bit of a given at this point.
2) Western classical music
Western classical music satisfies all functions except for maybe physical response. I’ll take most of these as quite obvious with the exception of the 6 and 7.
- I am not sure whether Western classical music normally elicits a physical response. If clapping counts, then I guess that’d be it. If not, I can’t think of anything else.
- Look to the classical music concerts for examples of enforcing conformity to social norms. There is a standard of behavior and dress at concerts that conform to various social norms.
3) Capoeira Music
I haven’t really had too much exposure to capoeira music, which is what I am studying, so this will be a pretty limited analysis. I will take this into the context of the roda, which is a capoeira game/practice where two capoeirastas practice their skills with one another while the rest of the crowd participates by playing music and singing. Here, the music sets the rhythm of the game and is also used stir up energy.
- This example of a roda serves as a function of emotional expression. The music expresses the participants’ joy and excitement along with whatever other emotional baggage one may be bringing in if one feels like letting off steam.
- Though some games can be violent and dangerous, there are those that seem like a dance. These are generally played for fun and practice, so this satisfies the entertainment function.
- I’m not too clear on the communication aspect because I don’t understand any of the lyrics yet. Same goes for symbolic representation because I am not familiar with the history behind these songs.
- Physical response is an obvious function.
- Music here also helps serve the function of contribution to the continuity and stability of capoeira culture. The music is an integral part of capoeira. I imagine the lyrics to give some details about its history, but in addition to that, the music helps drive many of the movements of capoeira, create a community bond when all participants in a game sing and practice capoeira together, and create familiarity with the traditional instruments of capoeira.
Aghhhh my original post disappeared. Sorry if this one is lacking.
ReplyDelete1.) Drumming serves a central role in much of the music in Africa. It functions as a form of communication between villages or across the village, and sends specific messages to others. It serves a function of physical response by energizing workers via call and response song, whether they be in the fields or in the village. It also is used in religious rituals as many cultures carry strong beliefs towards their ancestral and spiritual roots.
2.) Trot is an older form of popular Korean music from the 1900s. A controversy that surrounds it is whether is derived from enka, a style of Japanese music. Because of the anti-Japanese sentiments in Korea, it faced government censorship. Therefore, only songs that the government approved of were allowed. In addition, it serves as a form of emotional expression, and is often about love. It is undoubtedly a form of entertainment and is popular nowadays with the older generations, and in the past, with stationed American soldiers in Korea.
3.) Punk rock is a style of music known for its anti-government sentiments. In a way, it functions as a response towards conformity of social norms, rather than in support of it. It elicits physical response, such as youth rebellion, in the strong messages it sends. These messages are definitely a form of emotional expression, often times anger towards government and society.
EDM is a function of emotional expression. There are so many genres of it and it makes people feel differently such as trans versus dubstep. Lyrics of different songs also evoke different types of emotions. It highly represents a way of enjoyment and entertainment because it's what people dance to. I love dancing to it which it what drew my attention to it. Many of my friends listen to it just to listen. The dynamics of the songs make them feel really good. And there is defintiely a community that has formed from this type of music. People all wave their hands at the music in unison and anticipate the drop of the song together.
ReplyDeleteI posted separately last night but I'll re-post here:
ReplyDelete1. Western Art Music - in the most general sense this may be defined as music produced following 'classical' Western traditions of theory, notation, instrumentation, & practice
Function of emotional expression - at hands of both composer & performer
Aesthetic enjoyment
Entertainment
Symbolic Representation
Physical response (maybe?) - prompt to dance; social construct of audience-clapping practices, etc.
Enforcing conformity to social norms - in practice as well as content (religious music, people allowed/privileged to perform & hear music in this tradition/style)
Validation of social institutions & religious rituals
Contribution to continuity & stability of culture - perpetuates culture through enforced practice, performance, pedagogy, & rules
2. 1970s Punk - integral aspect of the growing punk subculture characterized by rebellion (against the norm, establishment, sentimentality, etc) as well as numerous ideologies ranging from the nihilism of Sex Pistols to the socialist aspirations of The Clash, along with a host of other sub-subcultures in between.
Function of emotional expression - clearly; just look at some of their performances
Aesthetic enjoyment - ultimate celebration of aesthetic freedom
Entertainment
Communication - specific messages of punk mvt through image, performance, actions, words, etc
Symbolic Representation
Physical Response - anything, though it is often associated with violence/highly energetic behavior
Contribution to continuity & stability of culture - in that it is integral to 'punk' though it often worked to undermine the establishment & authority rule
Contribution to the Integration of society - punk [music] supposedly welcomed any who wished to take part in this movement & lifestyle, often across cultural & social boundaries (slightly different from the Skinhead movement around the same time which was generally partaken by working-class youths though many lifestyle/cultural similarities exist)
3. Mawwal - ancient Arabic music tradition characterized by distinct vocal technique & instrumentation (using traditional Arab instruments)...I think this stuff sounds so wonderful...
[Example of Traditional "Mawwal" style]
[More Modern example of "Mawwal" - Wael Kfoury] <--I only found out about this singer last year & I can't get enough of his songs! He does both traditional & more 'modern' pop-fusion style songs.
Function of emotional expression - improvisational freedom of vocalist
Aesthetic enjoyment
Entertainment - at least it is today, primarily in Arab cultures; it may have been in the past as well
Communication - conveying poetic text
Symbolic representation
Contribution to the continuity & stability of culture - practice/style persists, with evidence of it being practiced even in Ancient Egypt, representing the longevity of Arab culture, particularly through music
The three types of music Im going to analyze using the Merriam’s notion of musical function are:
ReplyDelete1) Bachata
2) Narco Corridos
3) EDM
1) Bachata: Bachata is a form of music and dance that originated in the Dominican Republic. It is usually a romantic type of genre; although it is also popularly used to describe heartbreak/breakups and how you can't live without that person in your life. Bachata music is a function of emotional expression. It is sensuous and distinct from any other type of music. It is also a form of entertainment. People gather around a dance floor and dance together in a romantic style. Its a form of symbolic representation in a way that the music can portray whatever feeling is inside of you. It's something that is aesthetically enjoyed. I have friends who just listen to it for enjoyment.
2) Narco Corridos: a narco corrido is a type of Mexican music and song tradition which evolved out of the norteño folk corrido tradition. This type of music is heard on both sides of the US–Mexican border. It uses a danceable, accordion-based polka as a rhythmic base. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcocorrido) It is heard by people for symbolic representation and contribution to culture. People listen to this to stand up for their political protest against the corrupt Mexican government. They listen to it to stay informed about events that are going on in their country. Narco Corridos tend to focus on illegal activity going on in Mexico. (Drugs, Sex, Corruption, Death) Some people listen to this type of music for aesthetic enjoyment. The use of the trumpets, drums, and all these "loud" instruments draw people into this culture. I have a cousin who had no idea what the music was saying but was listening to it because it was aesthetically pleasing to him. He enjoyed the rhythm of the music.
3) EDM: EDM is Electronic Dance Music. EDM has recently become a culture of it's own. People listen to EDM because it makes them feel good and they can connect to it. I have recently become a fan of EDM and like to dance to it. The heavy bass is entertaining and pleasing to listen to. It's a type of music that makes your body feel good. Like Tammy posted people clap and wave their hands to the beat of the music. Its played for peoples enjoyment. It makes your emotions change. I know when im feeling sad, i've recently started listening to EDM and it instantly brightens my day.
The three types of music I've chosen to analyze:
ReplyDelete1) Traditional Armenian Music
2) Jazz
3) Traditional Blues (my project)
1) Traditional Armenian Music is a form of music that has been around for centuries. It usually involves woodwind instruments (particularly the Duduk) played at certain tempo. Similar to western popular music, slower tempos represent melancholy tones while faster tempos represent happiness/celebration and are intended for dancing.
2) Jazz music in America has been around for over a century. There is some controversy as to whether it originated out of blues (or vice versa) or if they branched out simultaneously. There are many forms of Jazz music that emerged during the 20th century, each having unique textural styling. One I find very interesting in particular is bepop because of its syncopated rhythms. Bepop music (i.e. Charlie Parker) did not have the greatest reception at the time because many people misunderstood it as "random noise" rather than intricately organized music.
3) Traditional Blues in America can be traced back to slave songs on plantations. Slaves would use to sing songs while working on the fields to pass the time, express some emotions, or even communicate messages. The blues was recorded at pitted against popular music in terms of record sales. It was sorted separately as black music while popular music was identified as white music. Many of the early blues artist learned their craft from older musicians and passed it down to the next generation. In this sense, blues is like an oral tradition. The rock music in America (particularly in the 60s/70s) took the idea of the blues and packaged it in a way to call it their own. The like of Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, and Pink Floyd owe a lot to the traditional blues artists of the early-mid 20th century.
I've chosen to analyze (1)Chamber Music, (2)Traditional Irish Music, and (3)Brazilian Capoeira.
ReplyDelete(1) Chamber Music
-Emotional expression: As in most classical music (if not all) a goal is to portray the emotion of the piece to the audience the composer intended. Could be a story line depicting angst, happiness, sorrow or it could be a religious piece such as a Mass meant to convey religious expression of salvation, death etc.
-Aesthetic enjoyment: Chamber music appears very "high class" largely contributed by the performance often with a conductor, stage, audience below of stage, dress blacks - there is a lot of the time a look of uniformity with all the musicians.
-Entertainment: Individual enjoyment/leisure
The function of communication: To express the instruments and communicate to the audience through the use of voice or instruments what the composer would like to say to the audience - also connected to the emotional aspect.
-Physical response: In Chamber Music from an audience a physical response wanted is an applause at the end of the piece, however throughout the performance a physical response is looked down upon as improper, its more of an internal response kept to ones self.
-Social institutions and religious rituals: Validation of social institutions and religious rituals could be displayed in Chamber Music by the venue. Performances often take place in a Concert Hall of some sort (present day) or in Churches.
---It wouldn't let me post the whole thing so my second comment is the other 2 music choices.----------------------------
-------------Ashley Continuted-----------------
ReplyDelete(2)Traditional Irish Music
-Emotional expression: To express the individual performers emotion through their performance as well as the emotion of the piece - not what was intended by the composer as most are not none. There is a lot of personal expression, it is not performed with the goal of pleasing an audience but allowing the individual to emotionally express themselves. A lot of tunes and songs have stories behind them, historical, fiction etc. that have specific emotions for the story to get across.
-Aesthetic enjoyment: Played in social gatherings, and individual moments. Places like Public Houses (Pubs) or peoples homes.
-Entertainment: A lot of the time the funcition of entertainment is a personal aspect. The goal isn't usually to entertain others like an audience, but can be used in a setting like that. However, it's played for self entertainment (not just alone, self entertainment in a group).
-Communication: Communicate the stories and settings behind tunes and songs. Also communication between performers; in Traditional Irish Music which is an oral tradition notation isn't used to start off a tune instead a player will play something and if another knows it they will join in.
-Symbolic representation: There is a lot of historical symbolism to Irish Music in both the instruments, specific tunes that are played and songs. They can symbolize politics, nationalism, sorrow, love, religion and more. These are expressed in the way they are played and where at times. It displays a strong tradition, and especially of a very long and trying history of a proud country.
-Physical response: I wouldn't say there is an exact goal of a wanted response but others that hear Irish Music elicit physical responses depending on how the song has made the feel, what it has caused them to think of or what it personally represents for them. Mostly personal responses.
-Continuity and stability of culture: I would say that Traditional Irish Music is a strong statement of the stability of the culture. Ireland has a long history with a lot of war, sorrow, and power struggles. I think that Trad. Irish Music could be seen as a statement of ownership and power for the country.
-Integration of society: Trad. Irish Music serves as a remembrance to society as well as serves as a way to bring people together - tunes, songs, dance.
(3)Brazilian Capoeira: I don't know much about this music at all actually, I just have a friend who practices Capoeira and I always find it pretty cool and interesting.
-Emotional response: The music itself serves as a way to help the individual practicing the martial art/dance to emotionally express them-self through movement.
-Aesthetic enjoyment: Aesthetically I feel it focuses on the movement of the performer/dancer, their movements when with two people are focused on enjoying each other but also an audience finds it aesthetically enjoying.
-Communication: Communication through body movement - I think this is also tied to the emotional response...
-Physical response: The musics is based to get a physical response from a dancer/performer. I'm not sure if the dance is choreographed or if its a self interpretation.
So I've left out a few points as I'm not sure how they totally apply to my 3 choices, mostly the last one as I know almost nothing about.
Bluegrass carries the functions of emotional expression, asthetic enjoyment, entertainment, in some sense communication, symbolic representation, validation of social institutions and religious rituals and the continuity and stability of culture. Bluegrass functions in these ways with its subject material, including the expression of emotions that have a wide range, covering anger and sadness as well as joy and happiness. A large part of bluegrass often includes the beliefs of Christianity in which it reinforces religious rituals, such as church attendance and worship in the faith of Christianity. Through its use of murder ballads and prison songs it helps to reinforce social norms and validate social institutions. Bluegrass also contains songs that contain stories that are sometimes anecdotal, used for communication and sometimes merely for the sake of entertainment as well as physical response, such as dancing and clapping.
ReplyDeleteThe blues also functions in many of the same ways, functioning as entertainment and emotional expression not just through lyrics, but through the use of timbre and techniques that alter the sound of the instruments. Blues also includes physical response, communication, symbolic representation and validation of religious rituals as foot tapping and clapping were sometimes part of the music, the stories communicated through the music could be about the real world and issues in it. There is a lot of symbolic representation in the blues, such as the famous devil at the crossroads and its nature of often being both secular and sacred at times, dealing with vulgarity and salvation reaffirmed religious rituals.
Western European art music, again, also fulfill many of these same functions. The music functions as emotional expression for composer and performer through the development and use of idioms, both tonal and not as well as that of aesthetic enjoyment and entertainment as quite a few people these days listen to it for pure enjoyment. At the times when the style was much more widespread and popular in Europe it helped to contribute to stability of culture, reinforce social norms and cause a physical response as when the "rules" of the music were broken such as in a piece like the Rite of Spring, rioting and violent activity took place. While this might seem ridiculous these days, in the culture of the time, music, it was felt, was meant to reflect the calmer and conservative social norms.
Kumidaiko, or Ensemble Taiko Drumming, is an art form and type of music that is almost focused upon entertainment, aesthetic enjoyment, emotional expression, and physical response- Merriam's points 1-3, and 6. The music itself is almost all percussion relying on the complexity or simplicity of rhythms with a very powerful and loud bass, accompanying this is the visual aspect that is the main attraction of this type of music. Players are often wearing unique costumes that complement the music being played, greatly contributing the entertainment and aesthetics of the music, often contributing to the exoticism of the art. On a deeper level this can also affect the emotional and physical responses of both the audience and the performers. An example of this would be wearing only an apron, known as harakake versus the wearing of a traditional kimono - The two different types of clothing have unique functions and purposes within their own culture and manifest themselves in the art of taiko drumming as well.
ReplyDeleteMusical Theatre fulfills all of Merriam's points to a certain degree. Musical theatre is what I would like to say the modern day version of opera in the Classical and Romantic periods of Western Art Music in the sense that they are a form of entertainment with a combination of lyrics, drama, music, singing, poetry, emotion, and so on and so forth, into one production accompanied at times with a live orchestra. Musicals often address themes present within society such as race, sexuality, youth, discrimination, religion, death, love, and many more and through the use of dialogue and singing these concepts are explored throughout the play. Musicals are also very highly visual as costumes, set design, lighting, sound design, and actors/actresses are a very integral part in the successful production of a musical. These songs illicit emotional and physical response in the audience and are often quite memorable. Examples of this could be the popular musical Spring Awakening tackling controversial concepts of sexuality, rape, and suicide all the while listening to some very catchy melodies.
Movie Scores and Soundtracks fulfills the functions of emotional expression, communication, and physical response. These scores accompany the visual element of a film or video and greatly enhance (or detract) from the message the film is trying to portray. These soundtracks often upon sadness or other emotional states that the viewer might be experiencing and then enhances them through its music and melodies. The music is a very integral element of film and without music or sound, a film would be very very bland. If possible, try watching a film like Inception, muting the soundtrack and play lively music heard in a cartoon. The emotions conveyed is severely limited and dampened by the incompatibility of the music to the scene.
1) Western Music
ReplyDeletea. Western Music has the function of emotional expression through means of the composer. The listener as well as performers and composer experience aesthetic enjoyment—that is if the listener or performer enjoys that type of music. There is definitely a function of enjoyment. We see this in way of concerts that people pay to go listen to. There is a physical response, sometimes intentional or unintentional. For example, if the piece is meant to be a dance, dancing will ensue. Also, sometimes a piece will elicit a physical response in terms of “goose bumps” or “chills”. Sometime the music is used for religious purposes, such as Requiem masses, though not so much nowadays.
2) Taiko
a. Taiko, also known as Japanese drumming, has a function of emotional response. The listener and even performer, through use of improvisation, can experience emotional responses. Because taiko is both a visual and musical art form there is definitely aesthetic enjoyment, especially for the viewer. The tricks and movements that a performer can do are great in number. Taiko, in the past, was an effective communication tool in Japan. It has now lost some of that meaning, but nonetheless the use of the drum is communication, especially in war, is apparent. The drum, definitely elicit a physical response. The performer has to perform many movements sometimes unnecessary movement to produce sound and being aesthetically pleasing. I am not positive what category this falls under, possibly entertainment, social institutions, and integration of society, but there are certain types of songs performed that are used for festivals. For example, Matsuri is a traditional festival song. Matsuri itself means festival.
3) EDM
a.EDM to some has great emotional expression. The beats, subject matter, and lyrics differ among the subgenres of EDM that emotions are easily conveyed. There is an aesthetic enjoyment for the listener as well as the DJ. This music serves a fiction of entertainment as we can see in the form of Raves and other concerts, clubs, and dance parties. This leads into a physical response because this music is primarily dance music and this definitely occurs. At least for now, EDM enforces conformity to social norms because it is such a recent popular genre of music.
Firstly, thank you, Kevin, for organizing the functions so cleanly, I hope you don’t mind that I used your list within my responses.
ReplyDeleteMusic from my project—“Popular music” streamed overhead in a retail environment
1) The function of emotional expression: Popular music is usually about love in some capacity, and either the joy associated with it, or the heartbreak following an unsuccessful or unrequited love.
2) The function of aesthetic enjoyment: I think that this is the major function pertaining to why music is used in this environment. If customers are in a pleasing atmosphere, they are more likely to linger there and hopefully spend money. The popular music used serves to, not only keep the store from being awkwardly silent, but also to amuse customers.
3) The function of entertainment: Popular music does not have to be analyzed in order to be understood and often features catchy tunes and singalong-able lyrics which contribute to its entertainment value.
4) The function of communication: In this instance, music is perhaps minimally used to communicate. It may be that the customers are persuaded by the vocals that they want/need to improve their own situation either to be like the song’s, or avoid the outcome of the song and that a new outfit/jewelry/perfume is just the ticket!
5) The function of symbolic representation: N/A
6) The function of physical response: N/A
7) The function of enforcing conformity to social norms: Most popular songs do carry some sort of message about a relative societal value and can influence thoughts accordingly.
8) The function of validation of social institutions and religious rituals: N/A
9) The function of contribution to the continuity and stability of culture: Calm, happy people are less likely to be difficult customers (theoretically) and so music can contribute to this stability.
10) The function of contribution to the integration of society: N/A
Childhood Nursery Rhymes
1) The function of emotional expression: They don’t tend to be particularly expressive, but there are definitely happier ones, and sadder ones, although even Humpty Dumpty ends on a “happy note” despite being in pieces. I do not think children sing them to express emotion, but may learn about emotions through some of them.
2) The function of aesthetic enjoyment: I suppose parents find it endearing/enjoyable to hear their children singing and so it could fit this function in that way.
3) The function of entertainment: Children enjoy the simple tunes and fun little stories associated with nursery rhymes.
4) The function of communication: They do communicate stories and sometimes morals and can be used by a parent to communicate ideas to children.
5) The function of symbolic representation: N/A
6) The function of physical response: A lot of them have accompanying dances/gestures such as the itsy bitsy spider or I’m a little teapot.
7) The function of enforcing conformity to social norms: By including values/lessons within some of them, I think children are subconsciously being integrated into society.
8) The function of validation of social institutions and religious rituals: N/A
9) The function of contribution to the continuity and stability of culture: Available to the very young to give the benefits of music to.
10) The function of contribution to the integration of society: These little songs offer children a starting point into more of their societies’ music and culture.
-cont-
-cont from above- (maxed out on characters)
ReplyDeleteMusical Theater/Broadway
1) The function of emotional expression: Very much so. Oftentimes, the height of the musical is either very tragic, or very joyful and features the show-stopping number.
2) The function of aesthetic enjoyment: A talented pianist/vocalist playing show tunes at a classy party definitely contributes to the aesthetic of the gathering.
3) The function of entertainment: This is Broadway’s main goal. The producers etc. want people to have a good time at their show, and spend money on the tickets/merchandise etc. It is supposed to be a fun night out.
4) The function of communication: I enjoy how music is used to tell a story, and how the music enhances what would potentially be a bland story on paper. Musicals can communicate social issues, existing stories, or even current events through the score and lyrics.
5) The function of symbolic representation: Oftentimes the characters are portrayals of “us” as a society, be it as a hero, or villain.
6) The function of physical response: Minimal, unless you count mandated clapping at the end of each number.
7) The function of enforcing conformity to social norms: I think this is quite prevalent. They show us narratives of how society is/should be/should not be, and often the consequences of whichever they are portraying. West Side Story, for example, shows us the consequences of gangs and racism.
8) The function of validation of social institutions and religious rituals: To some extent. I’m thinking of JC Superstar when I consider religious institutions which is a bit of a stretch because it is not used for a ritual, but could be useful for engaging listeners who are maybe not as avid churchgoers.
9) The function of contribution to the continuity and stability of culture: Somewhat, through trying to teach lessons in some of them.
10) The function of contribution to the integration of society: Minimal, although I could see how musicals about American societies might help foreigners to understand customs/traditions better.
response to chapter 11 post
ReplyDeleteThat is interesting that you got that pure music has no meaning where as applied does. To me the distinction is that pure music exists just for the sake of it, it is there because someone at some point wanted to express themselves through it, or maybe it was a difficult piece and someone learned as a challenge, or composed it because it was some burning desire to do so. It is there as its own means to is end, where as applied music is there to reinforce something such as commercials or movies. It something that's more in the background.
These are my three types of music and what I believe to be their functions:
1) Folk music: has a function of entertainment and aesthetic enjoyment because when one experiences live it serves as entertainment because it is enjoyable, and it is enjoyable because it is aesthetically pleasing to the ear (at least to those who like it)! It serves as a function of communication, and continuity of social culture, and integration of society because the feelings and messages it communicates are universal within that culture, therefore everyone identifies, bringing people together and essentially stabilizing that scene. More lyrically than musically, it also serves a symbolic function whereby identifying with this type of music allows one to use it as a symbolic representation of individual experiences.
2) Christmas songs: These have a function of aesthetic because for the most part they put one in a cheerful holiday mood. They also serve a function of entertainment and of a physical response because people go out caroling for fun and to entertain others. They most definitely serve a function of continuity/stability and integration since they transmit a cheerful mood and people associate them with peace and caring for all individuals alike. They serve as a reminder that the wellness of others is more important than their differences. They also serve a function of social institutions and religious values because most of them deal with the birth of Jesus and religious teachings. Finally they also serve the function of enforcing conformity to social norms because they are strictly blasted out of every speaker during Christmas time, and Christmas time only.
3) Lullabies: These serve the function of aesthetic enjoyment because they calm a baby down, so it must be nice, I'm assuming. They also serve a function of communication most simply because the parent sings TO the baby. Maybe this is arguable, must the fact that lullabies exist at all are symbolic of the strength between a parent and child. WE might not even know how much of it the baby might be taking in or even getting from it but still they exist and are seen in many cultures. They integrate society because within different cultures there are usually common lullabies that are know my most, in this way they indirectly integrate. For this same reason they function as a factor to the continuation of a culture. It is something that is passed on over generations. The function of a physical response is more like a lack there of, since they are used to put children to sleep.