More than a simple analysis..

In the Music and Culture by Anna Tomasino, Aaron Copland writes in “The Imaginative Mind and the Role of Listener” about talented listening. There is a strong connection between talented listening and analyzing music, both of which are vital to receiving the maximum mutuality with music. Analyzing music is an amazing method in which one could understand and relate with the song. Analysis of songs is relevant with Margaret Wolfe Hungerford’s commonly quoted phrase: the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Every song has its own significance to each individual, and whether minor or major analysis is done on the song, every individual is capable of conjuring their own thoughts on it, and recall different memories.

The firm belief that analysis creates a mutual bond with music allows individuals to gain more than one would have originally received from it. Analysis of music does not detract from the experience- it does quite the opposite and enhances it. There are meanings behind songs that one would not realize without an analysis, and this is a common occurrence because of many uses of sublimity in the current generation of music. Without taking time to apply and understand a piece, without attempted to be Copland’s “talented listener,” it is difficult to extract the true meaning behind a song. Music holds both the original artist’s and the individual’s own interpretation of significance- again referring to the eye of the beholder.

The action and attempt to further understand music is never a wasted effort, especially at our current generation where music is held in the highest forms of expression and form of communication amongst one another. In Music and Culture, Allan Bloom states in “Music” that “nothing is more singular about this generation than its addiction to music.” Bloom supports his claims through the exemplification of the passion from Wagner’s operas. He states that people “had a religious sense that Wagner was creating the meaning of life and that they were not merely listening to his works but experiencing that meaning.” This is a powerful statement that many youths of this generation completely agree upon. It is common for a first year university or college student to be found lacking funds for textbooks, but never for music.

Bloom also states his concern that this effect may have based on the fact that students have a higher interest in music. He expresses concern that the “issue here is its effect on education, and I believe it ruins the imagination of young people.” On the contrary, analysis of music allows for a broader and more creative outlook on situations for many youth found today. A student figuring out the correlation of a particular song with his or her life allows for a deeper understanding on their perspective on life. The ability to analyze music doesn’t come instantly, it takes practice and time. This is an important factor in education as well; students who are able to work creatively can think of other ideas and make relevant, personal examples in their work, when appropriate.

Analysis in music is ultimately a key factor in gaining a mutual relationship with music, and a deeper appreciation of its significance to you about yourself and its author. This should not be neglected, and should be used to gain the maximum potential out of music.