The Nature of Music

Good afternoon readers,
Today theoKwek brings us a dose of philosophy, intricately linked with the great passion of his life - Music. I strongly urge you to read this article carefully - Long it may be, but it contains much valuable insight to the life of this musician, anonymous.
P.s. theokwek personally feels this is one of his best essays till date.
The Straight Times Editor

Singapore is not a nation exceptionally well-known for producing world-class musicians, and I definitely cannot claim to be among one of the best. However, in the course of my music instruction I have had the honour and privilege of meeting various other musicians – violinists, pianists, flautists, cellists, etc. – and each has given me unforgettable tips and advice about getting around in the complex world of music and her makers.

One of the most striking topics that we have discussed, debated and defended is ‘What is the purpose in performing Music?’ Since I started learning the piano and violin at four, my musical journey has been similar to that of many of my friends, though each is unique in its own right, stained by the course of time and events the same way a snowflake is altered by every gust of wind that swirls around it.

From learning to read the elementary notes, clefs, signs and rests, we learn to produce their aural equivalent on our instruments, then delving into the emotional depth of the music, before hitting the next step of understanding the composer’s thoughts, reading the message hidden between the five lines of the stave, and then expressing oneself through the music. This is by no means the end of the line – it is just the beginning of an arduous but exciting voyage, whose end remains to be seen, as was Columbus’ great journey of discovery all those years ago.

But what is the purpose behind mastering all these skills? Musical skill has been described variously as ‘a language’, ‘a performing art’, ‘magic’, ‘a sport’, ‘a form of exercise’ and whatnot. Every term, with its distinct meaning, spells out the contrasting way people see music, but among musicians, one widely accepted view is this: Music is for showing off.

Let me define the above statement – ‘for show’ and ‘for showing off’ are two very different expressions. For show indicates that music is somewhat like the flowers planted along roadsides just for a special occasion – fake, plastic and insincere. On the other hand, ‘for showing off’ paints the picture of a virtuosic genius demonstrating his highly-perfected skills to his audience and the world.

Although musical accomplishments do encompass a technical side, I beg to differ with this stand. In response, I propose another explanation for the centuries of composers, conductors and concertmasters who have proven themselves in the musical realm, as well as the less famous busker in the street and performers on the sidewalk. Whatever genre, whatever rank, whatever level of performing techniques, Music is a humble expression of self.

Music is not about fingers that fly across the ebony fingerboard or silver flute, stopping at the right intervals and producing sounds of glory. Music is the discovery of the emotions and hardships of great men who drew inspiration from scenery and society. Music is the lively portrayal of the regret of a lost friendship or the exhilaration of a successful mission through melodies and harmonies. Music is a blend of technicality and lyricism that express the player’s identity, his feelings at the time of performance, the sentimentality behind the composition, or the story embedded in the piece. Music is delivering a message to the audience – This is who I am, who, then, are you?

As a language, Music records the sweat and tears of practice, the pain and pressure of performance. As a performing art, Music states simply and without boasting the level of skill attained thus far. As magic, Music conjures the emotions, the thoughts and the stories in listeners’ hearts. As a sport, Music embodies a friendly exchange between fellow players with the spirit of high sportsmanship. And lastly, as a form of exercise, Music encourages and explores every musician’s abilities to feel for others, and tell about it.

As I continue to walk down this modest dust road of discovery in Music, I sincerely wish to learn and master the labyrinth of techniques that present themselves to all musicians, not with the aim of flashing my prowess, but instead painting a special portrait, like that of all musicians, which bears every thumbprint which has shaped our musical journey, writing the scores for what I am today.