SILVER LINING
“DISOBEDIENCE, n. The silver lining to the cloud of servitude.”
― Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary and Other Works
Hi,
CONQUERING RHYTHM
Syncopation is the technique composers use to write unexpected, irregular rhythm patterns. The inconsistency of these rhythms affects the attribute of the music, leaving the listeners with exciting new outlines along with bold suggestions. In a way, syncopation is a musical disobedience.
This constricted technique have 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, 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 music felt as if I was, deliberately, challenging an establish oppressed rule. It appeared as if 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 that exist between the discrepancies in music syncopation, and my gentle demonstration of disapproval at the unpredictability and unfairness 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, in the same way the Goliards did while living in Monasteries across Europe. We know the rules they were living under were ridiculous. Stepping outside of the traditional path in life was rebellious, and often leaded to greater self-awareness and creativity.
I'd like to share a poem written in Latin by the Goliards in the 12th Century to challenge the authorities. Pointing out irregularities in Church doctrines was their purpose, while mocking the Clergy's dangerous ideas by challenging their cruel, uninspiring tight rules.
The German composer Carl Orff set the poem to powerful music. The poem delivers a direct message about the undeniable power of fate, in contrast to the supposed power of God. Fate emerges as an ideology that continues to challenge the unsettling notion of divine authority—an idea that, has long contributed to the corruption of the world.
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, is perhaps, the only tactic I can count on. Surely the poem proves that I am not the only one with a natural inclination to act—using force if I must—in order to stop the injustices caused by someone else’s way.
And so, here we are. Living in a world full of temporary displacements and abrupt events_ the same way as music really is_ making life, and music, in many ways, difficult to navigate. All these changes come and go as quickly as they appeared. These moments of deviation, though initially disruptive, can provide immense satisfaction, among relief and closure just the same, because they could contribute to our own unique life story.
TRUE DISOBEDIENCE
The reality is that life is packed with syncopation. Strangely, the rapid changes, could make my life exciting in a very peculiar way, 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. The silver lining in all of this is perhaps, that I get to experience life and music without having to explain nor apologize to anyone— and that feels like true disobedience.
Thank you for reading!
Music INFORMATION:
- Key: C Major/A Minor
- Parts: Cello and Piano
- Duration: 3:03 min
- Measures: 48
- Pages: 4
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