Music, Torture and War
Recently, responding to a blog by Jim Gordon, and reflecting on what music does to me, I wrote, 'More negatively it can be used to manipulate me and to manage my mood as in muzak; and I myself can use it as a mood enhancer.' Picking up on the negative power of music, Alex Ross, at The Rest is Noise, writes a disturbing piece on the use of music as a psychological weapon. There are a number of links which are worth following up.
Comments
what is the sound of sin?
Craig
As for 'the sound of sin', well there's a thought! Believing in God's good creation which has become distorted, music can be used for destructive ends, as in 'Music, Torture and War'. But then it's about purpose and context.
I've come to that point in my life, when I've decided I really must get acquainted with Wagner's Ring, having had some ambivalence to his music because of his philosophy which I find repulsive and the end to which his music has been used. At the same time much of Wagner's music moves me profoundly and witnesses to God's good gift of creativity. So, for my birthday I'm receiving the Ring on DVD - I'll let you know how I get on with it. I only ever performed Flying Dutchman and Mastersingers, as well as highlights from the Ring, so it feels a bit like a marathon!