SILVER LINING

August 14, 2024

SILVER LINING

“DISOBEDIENCE, n. The silver lining to the cloud of servitude.” ― Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary and Other Works

Hi,

CONQUERING RHYMTH

Syncopation is the technique composers use to write an unexpected, or an irregular rhythm pattern, the inconsistency of the rhythm affects the attribute of the music, thus, challenging the listener with exciting new outlines along with bold suggestions.

This constricted technique has been in used since the beginning, and it is found virtually in all styles of music; wherever there is rhythm, there is also the potential for syncopation. The technique is a necessary course of action, syncopation encourages the composer to construct a solid, and meaningful relationship between rhythm and melody.

The irregularities when the natural rhythm is restricted, feels as if there has been a mistake in the music, however, once it's been understood, turns into a major part of music, and becomes a necessary aspect of composing. As a musician, I could tell the greatest satisfaction I have experienced, is when complicated and uneven rhythms are conquer.

TOO MANY RULES

Last night, while I was playing this piece, the syncopation in the measures felt as if I was, deliberately, challenging an establish oppressed rule. Indeed, it appeared I was perpetrating an act of civil disobedience. Albeit, I did not write this piece as a protest against an obtuse ruler, it is instead, the evident analogy between the discrepancies of syncopation in music, and the gentle demonstration of my disapproval of the unpredictability of life.

But life being life, how do I stop the injustice of its ways?, Copping with it, is as closed I can get to do anything about it. Other than that, there's not much to do. Except perhaps, writing satire about it, the same way the Goliards in the middle ages did, while living in Monasteries across Europe.

I'd like to share a poem from the 12th Century, written in Latin by the Goliards to challenge the authorities. Pointing out the irregularities of Church doctrine was their purpose. Mocking the Clergy's dangerous ideas and their cruel, uninspiring tight rules was also, part of their writings. The German composer Carl Orff set this poem to music. The poem, talks directly about the definite power of fate.

THE POEM

O Fortuna

velut luna

statu variabilis,

semper crescis

aut decrescis;

vita detestabilis

nunc obdurat

et tunc curat

ludo mentis aciem,

egestatem,

potestatem

dissolvit ut glaciem.

Sors immanis

et inanis,

rota tu volubilis,

status malus,

vana salus

semper dissolubilis,

obumbrata

et velata

michi quoque niteris;

nunc per ludum

dorsum nudum

fero tui sceleris.

Sors salutis

et virtutis

michi nunc contraria,

est affectus

et defectus

semper in angaria.

Hac in hora

sine mora

corde pulsum tangite;

quod per sortem

sternit fortem,

mecum omnes plangite!

RELIEF AND CLOSURE

In this way, there are times, when situations in life become rigid, especially if authority is involved, and, being quietly disobedient, it's the only tactic I can count on. Surely, the above poem proves, that I am not the only one, with a natural inclination, for wanting to apply a forced, if I really have to, to stop the injustices of someone else's way.

And so, here we are. Life is full of temporary displacements, the same way as in music, with abrupt events happening all the time. Certainly they make life, and music, in many ways, more difficult. All these changes come and go as quickly as they appeared, but once they are gone, they provide along the way relief in life, and closure in music just the same.

TRUE DISOBEDIENCE

The reality is, life is packed with syncopation. But the rapid changes, I have to admit, could make life exciting in a very peculiar way. Thus, giving me the option to enjoy or complain about it. Likewise, music syncopation allows me to enjoy or to suffer, or do a little bit of both. This way, in life and in music I get to experience feelings and have ideas on my own, without the need to apologize for any to anybody. And that's what I call: a true disobedience.

Thank you for reading!

Music INFORMATION:

Source: Music and Life Book

Key: C major

Measures: 48

Parts: Cello and Piano

Duration: 3:01 min

Pages: 4