Musical Revolutionaries and Musical Spiritualism Essay Example

Musical Spiritualism

Music has been used for many decades as a way of demanding social justice in response to war, political inequality, and other injustices against economic and developmental prosperities. The tradition of blues and jazz music, which was deeply rooted in the identity and culture framework of specific communities, shaped the political consciousness of various African and American ethnic groups. Even today's, composition of political music manifest itself in diverse ways and in different avenues due to its relevance in liberal change and its notable influence in class politics and sexuality.

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The musical works of Ludwig Van Beethoven of the French revolution and Vuyisile Mini against Apartheid Regime exhibited the music revolutionary ideal in their respective countries. Beethoven, born in Bonn, was a German composer who displayed his musical wits in such a tender age following continued coaching by his father and musician Neefe Gottlob. He mobilized community to turn backs on emperors and magnates through his compositions. Through his nine symphonies, violins, and numerous piano concertos, Ludwig changed the way music was written and listened to up to modern music (Drabkin, Dahlhaus, & Whittall, 1993, p. 10). Vuyisile, a South African based composer, was a courageous and tireless person who organized metal workers through South African congress of trade unions against the colonialists. He wrote a song in Xhosa dubbed "Watch Out, Verwoerd" to protest against apartheid regime. His song was sung even after the apartheid government has buckled by other musicians (Watkins, 2008, p. 23).

Ludwig Beethoven and Vuyisile mini nature of protest or rebellion was by the using of activism and counter-revolution. Vuyisile mini began his political activism after he joined ANC which made him elected as the secretary of the congress. Due to his myriad political activities in cape region, he was jailed and discharged in various prisons together with the likes of Mbeki and Temba Mqota. Vuyisile was sentenced to death to a point that this provoked an international uproar. Ludwig, on the other hand, counter-revolution acts was through his composition which brought about new orders and ideas of fighting against revolution.

Conclusion

Overall, Vuyisile Mini, Ludwig Beethoven and other revolutionaries in America chose to be part of the politics of revolution which was all about fundamental change. They felt it was more significant to transfer their own struggles to their societies where social conditions were different. In that regard, they had to create their own form of revolutionary struggles that fit their social environments.

Musical spiritualism

In essence, music is the sound of the spirit. When created with truth and purpose, it is a spiritual manifestation of the most universal nature and the highest state. The spiritual importance of music can rise above cultures and creeds. Human spirituality is a vital aspect of who we are. As such, it forms the basis of our world. The society, culture and creed all offer perceptions into the relationship between music and spirituality.

Spirituality is not always derived from a divine source. It can originate from personal experiences, our surroundings, or education. Spirituality can be inspiring, practical and can form the basis of our everyday life. Listening to the spiritual language of a sing makes us understand that the music is from a spiritual source. Moreover, spirituality mirrors our beliefs and values. It symbolizes our response to reality and is the flowing current beneath our actions. What we believe and perceive in life reflect in our music and spirituality. For some, spirituality is a religious philosophy masquerading as the truth. For some, it is a concept that clouds the mind and contaminates the soul. Spirituality can bring clarity and unity to why human belongs do things in life. In that capacity, it is a personal reflection and is thus valuable to each individual.

For Sofiya Goneva a Bulgarian national for instance, music is a source of joy for her. She listens to music particularly when she is happy. Music enables her to express every type of emotion that she might have. She believes there is a song for every individual. For Chui Chau, a Hong Kong national on the other hand, music enables her to connect with other people from different cultures. It enables her to appreciate the positive benefits of diversity. Spirituality is fundamental to how we interact with the world. As such, it can be founded on the desire to connect with a deeper meaning in life.

The experiences of musical spiritualism from other regions are no different from those in the United States as music is the most powerful medium to connect to our innermost spiritual nature. Spirituality and music awaken our higher aspirations and lights the paths of our different journeys. Music is considered a moral law. It gives soul to the universe and life to everything.

The Cuban Son is simple. It consists of the repetition of the chorus which is sung in response to a soloist. While the Cuban Son is more bent on a combination of sounds, the Nuyorican Salsa tends to incorporate jazzy sounds. Also, the sounds in Cuban Son are well marked while those salsas emphasize the mishap more. While salsa comprises of numerous roots, the Cuban Son is definitely the prime foundation of Nuyorican salsa. It symbolizes a feeling as well as a range of predefined styles.

Generally, I have learned that music is a communication tool. It is uniquely wonderful, cannot be touched, yet it touches everyone capable of hearing sounds. Music evokes any emotion; we intuitively respond to joyful, mournful or inspiring tunes. This is an indication that music is a significant aspect of the society. Also, there has been social unrest and the desire for change within society. As such, protesting through music is the expression of a peoples' concern about current events which affect them. When we visit any country, we are bound to come into contact with some forms of music. For that reason, it can be deduced that music is universal. No matter your geographical location, music has incorporated its culture. Protest music is a tool of social awareness and is used as the people's voice against governments and corruption. I would like to further educate myself on how music through art can be used to achieve social change. How artists have used outlets from architecture to address this question of social change across nations. In that regard, music is a significant tool to create awareness among large groups of people or even small venues.

Conclusion

Overall, music is a vehicle used for communication. As such songs of protest often play a vital role in bolstering courage, encouraging participation, and promoting a sense of belonging. Also, what we believe in and perceive reflects in our music. Music is also a source of joy. It enables us to express every type of emotion we have. It awakens our higher aspirations and lights the paths of our different journeys. Moreover, music enables us to connect with other people from different cultures an indication that it is a significant aspect of the society regardless of your geographical location. Consequently, music has been used by numerous movements as a vehicle to seek social change.

References

Drabkin, W., Dahlhaus, C., & Whittall, M. (1993). Ludwig van Beethoven: Approaches to His Music. Music Analysis, 12(1), 112. doi:10.2307/854079.

Watkins, L. (2008). Composing Apartheid: Music for and against Apartheid, Edited by Grant Olwage, Wits University Press: Johannesburg. 2008, 311 pages. African Music: Journal of the International Library of African Music, 8(2), 117-118. doi:10.21504/amj. v8i2.1785.