[MD] The Quality of Art

[Platt Holden]

Hi Ham -- 

Not only is intensity the mark of modern music but have you noticed 
that many here are enamored of the lyrics, as if rock and rollers are 
the most profound philosophers of today? I mean John Lennon was 
probably a nice guy, but to hold him up as a sage passing along 
enlightened revelations that will save the world is ludicrous. Since 
it's obvious the music is third rate at best, I guess the only saving 
grace is the lyrics -- yeah, yeah, yeah. 

Regards,
Platt
    
 
> Hi Platt and all the Gang --
> 
> I hesitate to resurrect a vituperative subject, but I'm planning to
> discuss values in my Balance page the week after next and recall your
> comments about music -- particularly one that asked "Has music advanced
> since Mozart?"  (I think the answer proffered was something like, Who
> knows how far Mozart could have gone had the electric guitar been
> invented in his time?  Way out, man!)
> 
> Inasmuch as what we call "music" and "concerts" today bears little
> resemblance to what these terms referred to in the 17th to 20th
> centuries, I think we need a new definition for this art form.  I came
> across the following Q&A item in the "AskMarilyn" column of my Sunday
> Inquirer which clarified some of the mystery for me.  (She's the savante
> who tells you everything you need to know but were afraid to ask.)  Do
> any of you see a definition in here somewhere?
> 
> Q: "Why do entertainers play their music at such high volume in
> concerts? I've been blown out of buildings by the noise."
> 
> A: "They're trying to generate excitement, and a high level of decibels
> accomplishes that goal.  Subjected to such intense sound, listeners'
> bodies produce adrenaline and more.  These substances make the heart
> pound and give an impression of increased muscle strength.  Not
> surprisingly, some people become psychologically addicted to this
> hormone rush, which is implicated in thrill-seeking behavior.  What a
> way to get -- and keep -- fans."
> 
> Now, why didn't some of you music freaks explain to me what I've been
> missing all these years: the simple fact that it's the INTENSITY, not
> the Quality, that gives music value?  I don't know how Amadeus would
> have benefited from that bit of knowledge, but I'm sure Beethoven would
> have appreciated it.  He was totally deaf by the time he presented his
> celebrated Ninth Symphony -- the one with the chorale 'Ode to Joy'.
> 
> Happy listening.
> 
> --Ham
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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