I watched the TED Talk by Benjamin Zander titled “How does Music Transform us?” In this TED Talk, Benjamin discussed the importance of classical music and how after being exposed to it in the right way, the majority of the population will enjoy the music. During the talk, he was able to show the importance of his branch of music even though, as he stated, only 3% of the population regularly listen to the genre. He demonstrated this idea through playing one song multiple different times. Each time he played the part, he placed emphasis on a different beat. The differing beats caused the audience to have different feelings about the topic they had in mind. One time, he stopped further in the song and had the audience finish what they think would come next. They were wrong, but it shows that songs are anticipated and cause people to have certain feelings after listening to them. There are, however, limits to the music category of art. One of them is that art is strictly through sounds. This means that people must fully concentrate on the sounds they are hearing before being moved. People are always able to interpret the music make them feel however they want. They may hear a song at one point in their life and it leaves them with a different feeling than if they heard it at a different time. Lastly, a limit of music is that depending on who plays the piece, they may play it in a different way then the composer meant for the piece to be played. This, however, can be a positive to music because it can move people in different ways. I think that no matter what the medium, art allows people to express theirselves and feel certain things, especially classical music. Therefore, Zander’s title is correct because music truly does transform us and once people open their minds up to classical music, they will have an outlet for their emotions.
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"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart." -Colossians 3:23
I did not chose this TED talk, however, when we listened to it during class it did make me feel a little emotional so I was very interested to read your free write. Music has such an amazing power to take over a person’s emotions. I feel like you described that really well while you were discussing how music is felt differently by everyone. Music lets us process our emotions and interpret what we think the composer is trying to get us to feel. I also like how you brought up the point that listening to music at different times can shift your perspective, more information on this would help with tying in the “Transform” part from the title. In this case, music is art solely through sound, however, could you talk about how the energy of a performance can shift the perspective of the audience? I think you have a really good base for the paper we are going to be writing.
I liked the specific information in your blog, like how only 3% regularly listen to classical. It was good that you went through both strength and limitations. It was also nice how you sprinkled your own perspective throughout it. There was nothing that stood out to me for room for improvement or something to add.
Emily, This is an interesting free write, and it summed up the video very well. I have liked classical music from a young age, but very few people share the same interest. I think classical music could be utilized by everyone, especially for focusing better on work or school. I think you should delve a little more into your personal feeling and conclusions. Maybe relate it to the world or your life more. Great start though, you’re a good writer.