Soundly Organized Humanity

A Meditation on Music and Meaning.

In my studies of music, I have often heard and contemplated the question of “where does the meaning of music come from?” Does it come from it the Composer, musicians, conductor, or even the audience? Everyone has felt the real impact of music in their lives, but it is difficult to place where exactly that impact stems from.

Many claim that it is the Composer, the one who conceives, writes, and develops the piece of music, which creates its meaning. Nevertheless, what good is a composition without the interpretation of musicians, who transform the Composer’s ideas into a tangible and emotional piece of music. Likewise, the conductor, who guides the artistic interpretation. And, of course, the audience, who are present to enjoy and interact with the music.

I would argue, however, that it is none of these groups individually who give music its meaning. Music, by virtue of being the art of music, is meaningful. As Edgard Varèse said, “Music is organized sound.” John Blacking added that music creates a “soundly organized humanity.” Therefore, music’s ultimate purpose, in my opinion, is the ability to bring a fractured world together. It is commonly referred to as a universal language, the “mortar” of humanity. Simply the creation and interpretation of music in any form is incredibly meaningful in and of itself: the true depth of music comes from its power to cut deep and profoundly into the human psyche, offering one a possibility to reflect on our shared and simultaneously individual existences. To further quote Blacking, “music cannot be transmitted or have meaning without associations between people.” This is a striking point: it is not a singular individual or aspect of music that gives it meaning, but rather the collective and intrinsically human nature of the art that makes it so unique and powerful. And perhaps that is why music can possess such beauty: it is the collective effort of individuals from all walks of life coming together to create something wonderful.

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Cited:

Blacking, John. How Musical Is Man? University of Washington, 1974.

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