I am the object of much derision and mockery in family circles because of my addiction to what is loosely described as New Age music. But I forgive my children for they are of tender years and little versed in the ways of the world. They do not understand that you do not have to take up residence in Sedona, Arizona or entertain visitors from outer space in the vicinity of Roswell, New Mexico in order to find some of this music deeply enjoyable.
It is of course difficult for those whose musical tastes extend no further than Status Quo's seminal You're in the Army* to appreciate the subtle soundscapes that are a feature of the best kind of New Age Music. The thing is, you have to learn to listen to New Age music in a different way, just as you have to learn to look at Impressionist paintings in a different way. The idea is not to listen intently but to allow the music to pervade your being while you are involved in some other activity, like taking a lift in a tall office block.
*now
Here is an example of New Age music at its best. It doesn't repay careful attention but it succeeds, in my opinion and without one really being aware of it, in building up an intense and evocative atmosphere:
http://www.soundclick.com/player/single_player.cfm?songid=192325&q=hi&newref=1
It is of course difficult for those whose musical tastes extend no further than Status Quo's seminal You're in the Army* to appreciate the subtle soundscapes that are a feature of the best kind of New Age Music. The thing is, you have to learn to listen to New Age music in a different way, just as you have to learn to look at Impressionist paintings in a different way. The idea is not to listen intently but to allow the music to pervade your being while you are involved in some other activity, like taking a lift in a tall office block.
*now
Here is an example of New Age music at its best. It doesn't repay careful attention but it succeeds, in my opinion and without one really being aware of it, in building up an intense and evocative atmosphere:
http://www.soundclick.com/player/single_player.cfm?songid=192325&q=hi&newref=1
What's not to like?
ReplyDeleteAs you say, this shouldn't be listened to with any intensity and it certainly doesn't stand up to rigorous analysis - but it is quite lovely in its own way and just the thing when doing something else.
What do your critics think you should be "enjoying"?
Well, at least I'm not in a minority of one!
ReplyDeleteI happen to know, you might pass on to Mme Dubai, that in yoga circles this type of music as background is quite the thing these days. Empties the mind .....
ReplyDelete(There - did that wipe the smirk from her face?!)
Dearest East Anglian, that's exactly what I've been telling Papa: that kind of music of perfect for yoga, or a spa treatment, and it certainly doesn't hurt anyone. However, it also requires only one instrument (even the "voices" are typed on the keyboard), it borrows pathologically from other melodies and music types and generally, I just have a hard time believing that Marshall Styler [Papa, you may explain]and the likes of him are musical geniuses. It's peaceful, it's soothing, it's not unpleasant but that is not my definition of good music, sorry. Good music is... well, I just know it when I hear it, and when I listen to New Age, I never go "wow, what good music! Terrific!". I never said --or thought-- it was horrible and that one shouldn't be allowed to enjoy it, but I believe what Mr Dunn's critics are trying to say --with the utmost respect-- is that they will simply not be converted.
ReplyDeleteI don't see why the fact that it only requires one instrument should be used as an argument against new age music. Admittedly, a lot of it is pretty forgettable but then one could say the same of any genre of music. What could be worse than being trapped in a lift all day listening to the music of Jean-Philippe Rameau?
ReplyDeleteI give up... You're right, Papa: New Age music is superb!
ReplyDeleteWe agree then!! But watch this blog for an example of a perfect song.
ReplyDelete