Music Critique

Music is an incredible piece of life that we are so blessed to have and will continue to treasure. It creates something that cannot be found anyplace else. As one of my intellectual professors said, “music arises and intervenes when words no longer can solely express an emotion or make a point.” It plays such an important role in our society and should be paid more tribute. Whether or not the music is our native language (vernacular), or nurtured by our culture (cultivated), they both have significant effects on the human race. I believe that the relationship between cultivated and vernacular music is an exquisite thing. These both are cherished because of their unique characteristics, but also because of the underlying messages they convey. The two performances that I chose are similar to one another below the surface. The relationship between these two, their differences and similarities, shows that music is more than just a beat, more than just a rhythm, and more than just words. They show that there is meaning, there is emotion, and there is life. The atmosphere varied between the two concerts. During the Mozart performance the audience stayed tranquil, and respectful. They were silent to show respect and interest in the intricate music being performed on stage. Throughout the Beatles performance, the audience portrayed enthusiasm, and respectfulness. While they were excited about the concert, they remained encouraging instead of condemning. Comparing the two, the energy level was high for both, but in distinct ways. I feel as though the energy level is a bit more difficult to identify for Mozart because of the lack of obviousness. The audience’s energy level was based on being able to feel the music as the tempo rose and fell, and as the energy and emotions increased and decreased bringing life and meaning to the music. However, for the Beatles concert there were words being shouted and the band was introduced in an electrifying way as the crowd cheered. That behavior is expected at a more modern band concert as opposed to a more refined and

orchestra concert. The different atmospheres call for different behaviors. The audiences were really connecting with the music in both settings and were being brought to life. As the Mozart performance was more introspective and the Beatles were evoking excitement, they both were astonishing. I would certainly say that the differences in atmosphere shaped my response. The way the crowd responded and acted really weighed on me and influenced me to response in a similar manner. The energy levels dragged my personal energy level with the direction it was going. Therefore, during the Mozart concert I was more focused, calm and professional; while I felt like jumping on my feet to dance and shout for the Beatles concert. In the Mozart performance the beat was consistent throughout all of the pieces, while the rhythm fluctuated. The tempo and dynamics were unfailingly applied and were distinct parts of the concert. Specifically, an example of different tempos shows the fall in speed at 1’27” and then how it is followed by the rise in speed at 1’29”. An example of dynamics is at 1’40” as the music becomes soft and then more vibrant at 1’43”. The melody was brilliant and memorable, keeping to the roots of its archaic genre. The most memorable point in the Mozart performance for me was between 8’48” and 9’27”. During this section of the performance, I really was able to connect deeply. From 8’48” to 9’25” the tempo was very fast, like a heart racing. Following, at 9’26” as the tempo pace slowed down, it was almost as though the heart was getting back on the right beat and moving in the right direction. In the Beatles performance I felt as though the beat was consistent throughout, while the rhythm fluctuated similar to Mozart. Their music is meant to excite the crowd and get people on their feet. They were instrumental in the rise of rock music. In this concert the tempo was fast and continuously excited the crowd. If you look closely, you can notice the lead singer tapping his foot on stage to the beat of the song at 4‘20”. At 6’55” the rhythm changed and almost seemed like they were taking a breath before getting back on track.

My favorite part was at 5’24” when two of the singers first leaned into one microphone to harmonize together. The harmonizing throughout the song increased the quality of the musical performance. Music always has been able to affect me in an exceptional way. I feel as though I am able to connect on a much deeper and thorough level than most. Music has always, and continues to mold and form me into looking at myself and life as more stunning that I first believed. In simple terms, music is therapy to my heart and soul. As I watched the Mozart performance I was taken back to a more refined and archaic era. The changes in tempo and dynamics helped my soul to get in tune with the rhythm. As the tempo and dynamics rose and fell, my heartbeat followed. This allowed me to reflect on my inner-being and evaluate how that rhythm related to my life. Being able to connect in such a way eased my soul as the concert came to a close. There is something indescribable about instrumental music that really hits home if you give it the opportunity. The fact that we are able to connect with music even when words are not used is such an outstanding advantage of life. I believe this is because it is vernacular music, which is our native language. We were born to be able to connect and be cleansed by this style of music. As I watched the Beatles performance I had a slightly different experience. Throughout the entire musical piece only one emotion was evoked: excitement. This comes from multiple angles: the incredible introduction, the audience constantly screaming from utter enjoyment, and the mere fact that the music itself is fun. During this concert, I did not have time to sit still and reflect on my inner-being. I was just at a constant level of excitement and anticipation for what came next. It did not matter the words being sung, just the songs movements. Although this is different from Mozart, it is not necessarily bad. This is music that has been created in our culture and has evolved with time. From here on out these songs will be cherished by me because of their impact