The Flute Solo in Orchestra in the 19th Century - Book Report/Review Example

The Flute Solo in Orchestra in the 19th Century: Debussy Orchestral Music BY DAVID COX A COMPILATION DISCUSSION ON THE BOOK'S CRITIQUE FROM NICHOLSAND BRODY Introduction Music is an inevitable factor that exists in the human society at present. From then until now, music has naturally fascinated the different generations that passed the human generation. Through the years, the noticeable developments in music have been carefully observed by many critics in the said industry of entertainment. Without a doubt, music has captured the human ears and the human mind making it possible for critics like David Cox to come into existence within the industry. It could be observed that as a critic he was noted for his ability to bring out the most remarkable points with regards something that he aims to review on. In this regard, one of the most read books of Cox is that of his review on Debussy's music as an orchestral arrangement that is noted to be worthy enough for crowd performance. In the Paper that follows, the said book on musical critic shall be examined and observed through the use of the writings of both Elaine Brody and Roger Nichols, both editors and critics of several writers in the publishing industry. Elaine Brody and Roger Nichols were noted as remarkable critics of their own times. It could be observed that their personal understanding of arts and music naturally creates a sense of clarified understanding as to how music back then compared to the developing years that followed through. It could be noted then that comparing the writing styles and the creation of the writers to be observed herein shall indeed give everyone a peek on how music were treated by human generations through the years. Seeing Music through the Eyes of a Critic of the Ages Claude Debussy was noted as a fine music arranger of his own time, as for a fact, he even criticized his own work for so many times simply to find the right ways possible he could have to better improve his ways of writing.1 Undeniably, music back then was rather classified to be classical. With every theme aiming to show the sophistication of human capabilities of creating music that is most endearing to the ears.2 Since the war has not yet began during his time, it could be observed that he was able to see human music from its relaxed state towards the time of the war when music gradually took a great leap of change. How was Claude Debussy actually able to handle discussing the needs of making music a particular presentation of human excellence Through the reading written by John Nichols entitled Review on Debussy Orchestra Music and Debussy on Music, the critic of music, David Cox, was noted as a person of his own craft. His understanding of music was noted by the author as a fine presentation of the development of music from his time towards the war years. Nichols specifically noted the capability of Debussy to bring about the major understanding of the technicalities of music into ways by which the said matter could be well understood by the ordinary public. It could be observed that it is through this primary presentation of the critic that Debussy has been introduced by Nichols as an individual who is one of the finest in his craft. In terms of Solo Flute Orchestra, Nichols observed that Debussy's understanding of the song arrangements and rhythmic presentations of the orchestra portrays the undeniable cause of the music during the times when the said critic lived. It is unwaveringly true that Debussy's explanation of the matter ads up life to the arrangements rather than simple pieces of arrangements alone that are made to make music that is pleasing to the human ear. Besides that fact, Nichols also made mention of the process of Debussy's careful criticism of music. 3Likely, through Debussy's writing, ordinary people were able to relate to the sophistication of the arrangements thus increasing their interest in appreciating classical music during their times. As important as it really is, Debussy also tried to create a fine presentation of culture through music in his musically arranged works. The considerations he has placed on the positivity of the music and the relaxation it brings to the human soul has been etched within the written composition of the critic authored by Cox. Nichols mentions of this effective approach as Cox notes the capability of the critic to bring life to the music to his readers without actually bringing the actual music to their ears. Apparently, his description of the songs written, arranged and presented in orchestral concerts is sufficient enough to bring about the realization and imagination of the actuality of the situation to the ears of the readers. The serenade of the music that has been produced to induce inspiration upon the hearing souls naturally give a round of interest that brings in both relaxation and reminiscence among the listeners of music.4 Yes, it could be observed that through the years, the developmental procedure apprehended by musical creators back then has been taken towards the current years and has then been recognized as a huge part of human life. On the other hand, Elaine Brody focuses on how the critic of David Cox on Debussy's music has actually created a great notion that would bring about the attention of the readers towards the most important aspect making up the classical and wonderful presentation of music, and that is sound. In her book entitled Debussy on Music, the importance of music has been given ample attention. Sound has been a prevalent concept in the society affecting and influencing humanity in many ways known to man. 5Because of the influential nature of music, this medium is perceived to an effective tool for society in different aspect. Every element of the general concept of sound becomes a significant one namely the voice, music, sound effects, ambience and even silence. Each of these elements brings a different significance mainly emphasizing the expression of the general theme of a certain project. The use of voice can significantly influence the understanding of the expressed idea of the certain public or audience being pointed at. The intonation of the voice of the speaker can designate the emotion of the person and his or her loudness or softness will depict the personality, authority and character of the speaker. The use of background music, sound effects either through cyclical or continuous mean can intensify the environment's emotion which can later contribute to the personality of the speaker and/or character and can encourage the curiosity and enthusiasm of the audience. Also, these elements can significantly contribute to the meaning and intensity of the concept being expressed by the certain project thus aiding its dissertation and understanding by the public. In addition, the employment of the effects of silence as a background can also contribute to the expression of the general theme as it can set stages of excitement thus promoting the audience's interest. Thus, the employment of sound through the application of each of its elements can significantly contribute to the general theme of a certain project as it promotes a better communication approach between the main concept and its audience. The use of sound can facilitates the dissertation and understanding of the public thus aiding the effectiveness of the project of communicating a certain concept and its significance to the society. Overall Critique In connection with Debussy's music, Elaine Brody and Roger Nichols also used the writing of Francois Lesure entitled Debussy on Music to be able to give a clearer view on how the critic of David Cox on the music of Debussy in the earlier centuries of music development and how the said developments actually relate to the developments of the human society as a whole towards the modern times of musical arrangements whether may the music be presented through an orchestra or through other genres of musical pieces.6 As a whole, the approach of both Brody and Nichols on criticizing the works of both Lesure and Cox with regards the music arrangements created by Debussy made for public presentation, is considered truly reflective and effective in noting the importance of music and even the existence of the different elements that make up the said matter. References: David Cox. (1996). Debussy Orchestral Music. Gloucester Publishing. Elaine Brody. (1990). Debussy on Music. Gloucester Publishing. Roger Nichols. (1998). Debussy on Music. Wiley Publishing Company. Francois Lesure. (1988). Debussy on Music: The Critical Writings of the Great French Composer Claude Debussy. Cornell University Publishing. Read More