The Nature of Music

Of all the varied forms for describing the Human experience, music is probably the most profound. It is wondrously malleable, exquisitely pliable and can be finely tuned to achieve an accurate expression of feelings and states of mind. But its maximum effect can only be realized when it is placed in the hands of a sensitive master artisan. Music is a tool that must be manipulated carefully and with utmost spiritual dexterity. In the absence of this requirement, music becomes mundane and devoid of emotional impact. Change of mood, feeling and atmosphere can even be achieved by altering the tempo and or slightly modifying the musical line from minor to major; a semitone can make all the difference in creating atmosphere. This idea was discussed in my post ‘Retrospection’ and here takes on an added dimension. In Act I of Verdi’s Otello, [http://youtu.be/VVvr4tOyUTY] during the scene when Otello strips Cassio of his commission, the composer uses a theme at (18:32 – 1836) which is repeated four more times until Cassio’s demotion. The music (six notes) is dramatic and the atmosphere is fraught with tension; the difference between the last two notes is a half –minor – step. In Act I of Verdi’s earlier opera Un Ballo in Maschera, [http://youtu.be/RH8C51NOLFy] at (19:14 -1916), Verdi uses the same melody, but this time the difference between notes five and six is a full –major –note. In this scene, the king is planning to visit the fortune teller, Ulrica, as a lark together with members of his entourage. Listen to the different atmosphere from the one in Otello. Yes. The moments are but a flash; however, the distinction between the two examples is discernible. The subtle variances can only be accomplished by a master musician which Verdi most certainly was.