The word music is perhaps one of the most complicated words in the English language to describe. The official Webster’s dictionary definition is as follows:
The science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity
While that my be accurate to some extent, describing music is much more difficult than that. The Genre’s of music alone would take all day. Now that of course is the official definition of music. Each one of us has a different set of criteria which define what we call music and especially what we call “good” music.
Some think that music has to be technically challenging to the artist to be good music. Some think that music has to carry a melody that is instantly recognizable. Some think that music has to speak to your soul. I agree with all to some extent, but I sure wouldn’t limit my definitions of good music just to a few factors.
Pop music often gets blasted for lacking soul and feeling. True but the fact that a few million people dig any given pop record and buy (or download) the song has got to say something. That means that this music touched these millions of people in some way. Maybe not the same way for each but defiantly touched them.
Jazz is often heralded as “real” music because it is very complicated, very melodic at times, and technically challenging to play. While these statements are true is it any more musical? In some ways it defies the official definition as some jazz does not have unity or continuity.
I think music is something personal for everyone and I try to truly appreciate the art of music in any form. I don’t dig a lot of music I hear but that does not mean it isn’t good music, it’s just not my type of music.
Scott
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