[MD] The Quality of Art

[Horse]

Hi Ham

So if it's the case that it's simply intensity and not Quality that gives music value then playing 
Mozart at high levels would make it instantly liked by all and sundry? Same goes for any other 
piece of music or composer. Maybe I should try Barry Manilow at Motorhead volume levels - it 
can't sound any worse can it?
I think the explanation you've given is a tad simplistic to be taken seriously.

Cheers


Horse



On 5 Mar 2006 at 17:19, Ham Priday wrote:

> 
> 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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