The Poetics of Music

Maybe it’s the liberal arts major in me, but I always feel a certain sense of exhilaration when either experiencing the artistic expression of others, or participating in my own expression. All this time re-researching the British Romantics (for grad school application essays) has really started my mind revolving around the redemptive imagination and the sublime!

I enjoy wandering around museums, galleries, and visiting fringe theaters, poetry readings, and music venues. My own expression is mainly in the form of writing, although I sometimes dabble in visual arts. However, I rarely share my creations publically. It always seems like I must gain some sort of “perfection” before I can display myself. However, this reluctance is something I am working to repair. Blogging is my first step, and I hope to continue along the path to becoming published and finding other ways to actively participate in the artistic expressions I find so interesting.

I get the most enthused when listening to music. Music can be a fusion of all artistic mediums not only blending harmonies and lyrics, but also incorporating video, animation, and other images. It is difficult for me to combine art forms, and especially difficult for me to create melodies. So music and mixed media displays are even more impressive for me, because their creation seems so mysterious. Sometimes limiting the artist to one medium for expression can be limiting, but when there is a fusion, so many different experiences can be created.

Art that is surprising and intriguing is what many artists strive for, I should think. I particularly enjoy when artists can unleash a sense of unexpectedness in their music: the lyrics don’t quite go with the narrative voice or the melody, or the subject matter is just unusual. The Decemberists have in particular caught my attention. The lead singer has a unique voice, and he blends unique subjects with unexpected diction and forms. For example, the ballad, The Mariner’s Revenge, is rich with interesting words, rhymes and images, and the rolling accordion lulls the listener into the madness of the mariner. Where do these unusual ideas spring from?

I also enjoy Don Mclearn’s music, and other traditional singer-song-writer tunes. When I find a song that I can relate to, particularly when I can personally identify with the lyrics, I am moved and deeply satisfied by the listening experience. Connecting with the lyrics of Crossroads helped me come to terms with some of the changes I was experiencing at the time I heard it. Sometimes it seems that the perfect song can find you at the perfect time, and it is a wonderful sensation. For me, finding a song to identify with helps me come to peace with whatever emotions I am struggling to understand.

It is imperative for most humans to strive to understand their world and themselves. Artistic expression can lend itself wonderfully, both creating, sharing, and experiencing creativity. It can help us connect to the world in a meaningful way, and can make it seem like a less lonely and hostile place.