This post is entirely based on personal observation.
There are no facts or figures just my own views and opinions.
I have often enjoyed singing choral music because of the simply breathtaking sonic experiences it can produce. As anyone who has ever performed a piece of music should know, there is a lot to take in and comprehend on an artistic level; of course that is providing it has been notated properly. Whether it is the rhythm, tempo, or articulation - it all exists in the form presented in front of you because the composer wants to create an impression.
This is his/her impression but that is not to say it should be the one and only interpretation; after all conductors make a living out of this very notion. One person's musical opinions are never any more right than the next person's and we shouldn't forget that music is a subjective entity. However there is a line between an interpretation and a reworking, albeit a subtle one.
Dynamics! - The markings that indicate loud, quiet and everything in-between...
On a basic level, yes, they are, but the word is also used to refer to the "stylistic and/or functional aspects of the execution of a given piece" as wikipedia would have it known. This in itself is the very nature of artistic interpretation: demonstrating through the contrasting use of techniques, both "stylistic and functional", in order to communicate the composers work but in your own unique manner. As a soloist this can be more apparent, but when performing as part of a collective - especially when there is more than one person delivering the same part - the artistic statement tends to be at the mercy of the conductor or leader.
On a basic level, yes, they are, but the word is also used to refer to the "stylistic and/or functional aspects of the execution of a given piece" as wikipedia would have it known. This in itself is the very nature of artistic interpretation: demonstrating through the contrasting use of techniques, both "stylistic and functional", in order to communicate the composers work but in your own unique manner. As a soloist this can be more apparent, but when performing as part of a collective - especially when there is more than one person delivering the same part - the artistic statement tends to be at the mercy of the conductor or leader.
Deep-rooted Issue
So what! Where are you going with this? Well, considering the importance of dynamic control on an artistically driven interpretation, why does it take so much effort to get performers to adhere to the directions set out by the composer? Obviously the more experienced and concert-savvy performers will be better at this, but I am hitting at those who perform for the love of music regardless of how adept they are. Surely 'note-bashing' does not bring the same sense of satisfaction that a well crafted interpretation might. I have also felt this to be a deeply-rooted issue - to the point that observing dynamic control is not as natural as it once was. So what is the problem?
The well documented 'Loudness War' points an accusative finger. With music and other forms of media that is consumed by the mainstream of society, there has been an ever growing battle that tries to get the individual noticed from amongst their competitors. As a result of the practices of mastering - not to mention the powerhouse music labels that demand it - a lot of mainstream music has become dynamically 'boring'. Loud and boring, what could be worse!
For those well trained ears and knowledgable performers this will have little impact, but it is for the more impressionable musical minds that the issue really hits home. If one listens to music over a lengthy period of time it is only natural to assume that you will inevitably pick up traits and characteristics exhibited by said music. These may be either deliberate or involuntary and could be down to a range of different things, but the point still stands: we are influenced by the music we listen to.
Intrinsic Mechanism
So what happens when you have a collective set of ears that are being influenced by this dynamically stunted music? The very concept of an artistic performance begins to suffer and the music that relies upon upon this type of interpretation loses out. Some of the most emotive pieces of music would come across as empty or void of any intensity...there is more to dynamics than simply "sing/play louder than the last bit". It is a tool that can transform even the most simply constructed phrase or selection of words into a powerful mechanism that transforms the experience of the listener. Imagine the climactic build up towards the end of a piece of music in which it gradually builds up to a loud finale, but then take away that crescendo so that it merely stays at the same volume/intensity. The impact would be greatly diminished if not completely destroyed.
I remember learning to play/sing and being constantly told to emphasise the music by acknowledging the dynamic markings instead of playing it over and over at the same monotonous level, and it always used to bore me senseless. Now, being a little wiser and more artistically minded, I have come to appreciate that it often takes time to develop a respect, or perhaps instinct, that allows one to utilise the powerful tool that it is. Whilst I share slightly depressed views of the state of music - probably unfairly so - I am aware that it isn't a natural instinct for everyone and that even with training, it still takes time to develop.
I am merely making an observation based on conversations that I have had over recent years and it dawned on me that there might be a link...
If you agree or not, it would be good to hear other opinions and thoughts on the matter.
For those well trained ears and knowledgable performers this will have little impact, but it is for the more impressionable musical minds that the issue really hits home. If one listens to music over a lengthy period of time it is only natural to assume that you will inevitably pick up traits and characteristics exhibited by said music. These may be either deliberate or involuntary and could be down to a range of different things, but the point still stands: we are influenced by the music we listen to.
Intrinsic Mechanism
So what happens when you have a collective set of ears that are being influenced by this dynamically stunted music? The very concept of an artistic performance begins to suffer and the music that relies upon upon this type of interpretation loses out. Some of the most emotive pieces of music would come across as empty or void of any intensity...there is more to dynamics than simply "sing/play louder than the last bit". It is a tool that can transform even the most simply constructed phrase or selection of words into a powerful mechanism that transforms the experience of the listener. Imagine the climactic build up towards the end of a piece of music in which it gradually builds up to a loud finale, but then take away that crescendo so that it merely stays at the same volume/intensity. The impact would be greatly diminished if not completely destroyed.
I remember learning to play/sing and being constantly told to emphasise the music by acknowledging the dynamic markings instead of playing it over and over at the same monotonous level, and it always used to bore me senseless. Now, being a little wiser and more artistically minded, I have come to appreciate that it often takes time to develop a respect, or perhaps instinct, that allows one to utilise the powerful tool that it is. Whilst I share slightly depressed views of the state of music - probably unfairly so - I am aware that it isn't a natural instinct for everyone and that even with training, it still takes time to develop.
I am merely making an observation based on conversations that I have had over recent years and it dawned on me that there might be a link...
If you agree or not, it would be good to hear other opinions and thoughts on the matter.
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