Partridge’s article is interesting. Largely, I agreed with the quotes and ideas of DeNora (as presented by Partridge) and the general topics raised in the article. I do agree that music: is important and integrated into society (p182); has a role in personal and social identities (p182); is capable of informing values and shaping beliefs (p185); can make and carry social and cultural associations (p186) and; encourages certain emotional states, values and attitudes. Before reading this article these assertions were known to me. I’m now happy to say that this knowledge is backed by a scholar.
I did exercise caution when I can to the statement about the effect of instruments in transmitting religious or spiritual content. It asserted that, through music, instruments can bring spiritual content into an affected space (p185). I agree that music is capable of informing values and shaping beliefs (p185) however I am not sure this is applicable to the sound of an instrument unless this instrument has known associations with spiritual/religious content or experience. I am not sure that content can transmit without our knowledge. If this can and does occur Adorna's concerns (outlined on p 184) are valid.
What do you think of the notion that spiritual and religious content can be transmitted without prior social association or experience/without your knowledge?
Partridge C. 2012. ‘Popular Music, Affective Space and Meaning’. In Lynch G. and J. Mitchell with A. StrhanEds., Religion, Media and Culture: A Reader. 182-193. London and New York: Routledge.
No comments:
Post a Comment