Music is rahter unique among human creations, because it so thoroughly combines order and creativity. There is a rational, even mathematical order that underlies music, in its rhythm, in the orderly ways chords and harmonies come together, but when played, this orderly construct suddenly becomes an expression of almost pure emotion, which looks to the imagination for recognition.
There is some concern that the modern age of CD's and rock music is ruining, or may already have ruined music, but this may not necessarily be true. As part of the Hendrix College Chamber Orchestra, I play a lot of "classical" music (Bach, Mozart, Strauss and the like). Much of this music is truly great--especially the Bach, in my humble opinion--but that doesn't mean that great (or even merely good) music can only come from the classical school of music. I find myself perfectly happy listening to the likes of Collective Soul.
We no longer seem to compose on the grand scale of the past, which boasted symphonies and operas, and it may be that our era has yet to reveal a genius to match the always-remembered Bach and Mozart, but that doesn't mean we don't have our share of respectable artists. I think I would find agreement in saying that a number of Collective Soul' songs are well worth listening to, though fewer people may have had the chance to listen to Moby's album Play (which I am nearly addicted to) and fewer still to Loreena McKennitt, Enya or Adiemus. I especially like Loreena McKennitt, Enya and Adiemus becaue they focus on vocal music. Even though I play a stringed instrument in the school orchestra, I still think nothing compares to the sound of the human voice.
Like most of my friends and acquaintances, I listen to just about everything except country and rap music. I have music with a good fast beat that keeps me going when I'm tired or when I have a lot of work to do, and I've got other music to relax by. Then there's music that's just plain fun, and music that's great for road trips. There's music for just about everything, and I tend to listen to music nonstop if at all possible--which means I really, really hate it when I get a song stuck in my head!
--Redwing
Coming soon...I want to post reviews of several of my favorite albums, say a little more about classical music, and talk some about mp3's.
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