Active and Passive Music by Beethoven and Satie - Assignment Example

Active and Passive Music by Beethoven and Satie Music has different purposes. Some of the pieces are composed for special occasions; others were created to reflect different moods and feelings. All composers tend to do their best to render their message through their music and add some purpose to it. There are pieces of music which are created for religious or recreational purposes; however, different kinds of music reflect a global aim of the composer to expand the meaning of music for its listeners. In classic period, music was inseparable attribute of the court life. In the modern era, musicians tended to experiment with the count and expressiveness of their pieces. In this way, each epoch left its aims and values in music. This essay will focus on the art of Beethoven and Satie to show how different music can be in its aims and purposes. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 is a legend in the world of classical music. It represents inner fight of as man who has to choose its further way in life. It is not surprising that the second title of the symphony is Fate. Beethoven’s fate is not the music for relaxation. It is dull of controversies and opposition which cannot leave anybody indifferent. The melody transforms from the nervous passages from the first movement to the calm and moderate moods in the second one. This music shows inner hesitation of people when they need to make their life choices. Gravy full chords in the beginning of the piece quickly transform into the light passages which remind thoughtfulness young people who cannot focus on the most important things in their lives. At the same time, the fate theme interrupts any light process in one’s thinking making everything more complicated. The second movement of the symphony is totally opposite to the first one. It reminds of a place when all people can feel calm. Harmony and calmness are two general values which are recognized by different world cultures and people. In this way, the symphony meets their standards and becomes universal in the context of global community. Overall, the music by Beethoven is never simple. It is full of controversy, hesitation and fear. At the same time, it represents great feeling of optimism, harmony and happiness. Perception of Beethoven depends on one’s mood to the great extent. All people are free to find reflections of their life problems in this complicated, controversial and beautiful music. Music by Erik Satie traces a totally different message for its listeners. For instance, Hypnomedie № 1 by Erik Satie is music of modernity. It is less certain than music of classical period. It expresses hesitations, mess and uncertainty. It has a good flow; it is very slow and pacific in its sounding. Moreover, it is performed by the piano only. In this way, it is easier to achieve simplicity and clarity of the sound achieved as a result. The melody is very slow and uncertain whether it is minor or major. It sound neutral and it adds more complexity to its perceptions. Usually, people tend to associate slow melodies played with a minor mode with sadness. This piece, however, is more complex in its perceptions. As for me, it shows indifference, coldness and routine. Repetitive motif of this melody only makes it more centered on these feelings. The melody omits all musical elements which are associated with expressiveness. There are no variations in tempo, loudness or melody. The composition of the piece is symmetrical. Satie’s music can be hardly called optimistic due to its stability and mild manner of playing. It avoids sharp corners and peak moment making the melody flow smoothly from the very beginning till the end. Hypnomedie № 1 represents a point of view of the passive observe. No matter what happens in the world, this music sends a message to keep calm and passive. According to Sitsky, the art of Satie was aimed at creating perfect background music of the music which would never disturb people from something they should do (427). Even though the melody flows very smoothly, it does not represent any feelings openly. It manages to remain absolutely neutral by its expression. Even the manner of playing proves this assumption. According to Sitsky, the aim of Satie was to create a “furniture music” or the music which would not disturb people in their ordinary actions (427). Overall, the experiment is successful because Satie’s music minimizes its expressive function and creates a perfect background for work. It does not change listeners with additional meaning or the need for interpretation. It is transparent, slow and passive in its sounding. It does not awake any strong emotion such as fear, sadness of happiness. Comparing and contrasting Beethoven and Satie it is easier to find differences between them. First of all, their music develops in totally different directions die to its different purposes. Beethoven is a philosopher because he touches upon various life choices people have to make. His music drives people to self-reflection. His 5th symphony becomes so popular because it represents the ongoing inner struggle all people experience daily. On the one hand, there are many aspects of life where people have control over everything. On the other hand, there are always some external factors which cannot be regulated in any way. Satie’s music is totally different. Unlike Beethoven, Satie does not use the expressive power of music in his art. He represents a music which is secondary to all events which take place daily. His music does not demand much attention. It can comfortably exist on the background with its slightly indifferent and passive mood. Satie’s music is harmonious, pleasant and neutral. It is not charged with additional meanings except of the beauty of symmetry one may experience listening to Hypnomedie № 1. However, one does not need to underestimate the aesthetic value of Satie’s music. Often music on the background is the most meaningful thing people experience during the day. It is neutral when it is deprived of the context, but different events can add more clarity to it and customize its meaning. Satie’s music is passive, but it becomes alive when it is integrated in the context of daily life of the listener. In summary, Beethoven and Satie are two totally different composers who lived in different epochs and composed their music for opposite purposes. Beethoven expressive power is endless. Perception of Beethoven music is quite person as it depends on the mood of the listener. The wide range of emotions included in every composition makes it possible to choose the most suitable interpretation for any case. Satie’s music is totally different. It is a “furniture music” which has the main aim to create a comfortable background for people in their daily chores. Even though the purposes are radically different, both composers have their aesthetic value and great influence in the world of music. While Beethoven can burn the fire in one’s soul, Satie can calm down everybody and create a comfortable atmosphere by his emotionless music. Works Cited “Gymnopedie No.1 - Satie”. YouTube. YouTube LCC. June 31, 2007. Web. June 3, 2014. < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R21ZJBAK_6U> “Beethovens 5th Symphony”. YouTube. YouTube LCC. March 25, 2008. Web. June 3, 2014. < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4IRMYuE1hI> Sitsky, Larry. Music of the twentieth-century avant-garde: a biocritical sourcebook. ABC-CLIO, 2002. Read More