A life in musical notes — what’s your music story?

Louis Armstrong a.k.a “Satchmo”, American JAZZ & BLUES trumpeter and vocalist

Every musical note tells the story of human experience, from passion and love, to anger and desire for revenge; from joy at life, to sorrow at betrayal; from feeling different in a harsh world, to fighting back against rejection and it’s all beautiful, whatever its genre.

Without human involvement — behind the playing, behind the lyrics, behind the performance, these stories, this music would not exist. Even the sounds of nature, of the Earth, are only a reality to us because of the pulsing synchronicity with the human ear which hears the vibrations of these sounds.

The ears feel it before they hear it — the thudding of a drumbeat, the vibrations of the strings transmitted through the body of the violin, amplifying, and resonating the sound; the vibration of human lips against the trumpet mouthpiece, with the resulting sound amplified and resonating through the trumpet’s tubing. The trumpet sound is ENERGY and POWER, its distinct brass timbre that makes it a prominent and recognizable instrument in many genres of music. The violin sound can range from sweet and mellow to vibrant, powerful, and even mournful, allowing the violin to express a wide range of musical expressions, from delicate melodies to intense and virtuosic passages.

And so it goes on; because every instrument humans have ever built since ancient times has been a device to tell stories, so what’s your music story?

Multi-genre instruments: Hofner Shorty guitar, 1970s Fender Jazz Bass & 1960s F.E Olds & Sons trumpet

A common refrain in 2023 is “George Michael got me through Covid”, or “The Rolling Stones are my ‘go-to’ when times get tough.” And while the interpretation of one’s relationship with music is a highly personal and subjective experience, we are all united by the same need for validation in the form of lyrics and melodies sung, played and performed by strangers.

People often form a unique and individual connection with music based on their personal preferences, experiences, emotions, and cultural background. Here are some common ways in which people interpret their relationship with music:

1. Emotional Connection: Music has the power to evoke strong emotions and can be deeply connected to personal experiences. Individuals may interpret their relationship with music as a means of expressing or channeling their emotions, finding solace, or enhancing their mood.
2. Personal Identity: Music can play a significant role in shaping one’s sense of identity. People often associate themselves with specific genres, artists, or songs that align with their values, interests, and self-expression. They may interpret their relationship with music as a reflection of their personality or a way to connect with a particular subculture or community.
3. Inspiration and Creativity: For some individuals, music serves as a source of inspiration and a catalyst for creativity. Musicians and artists, in particular, may interpret their relationship with music as a means of creative expression, using it as a medium to share their thoughts, stories, and artistic vision.
4. Relaxation and Stress Relief: Many people turn to music as a form of relaxation and stress relief. They may interpret their relationship with music as a way to unwind, find inner peace, or escape from the pressures of everyday life.
5. Social Connection: Music has a powerful social aspect, bringing people together and fostering a sense of community. People may interpret their relationship with music as a means to connect with others, bond over shared musical interests, or create shared experiences through attending concerts or participating in musical collaborations.
6. Intellectual Engagement: Some individuals interpret their relationship with music as a source of intellectual stimulation. They may enjoy exploring different musical genres, analyzing compositions, studying music theory, or delving into the historical and cultural context of music.

All of these factors underline the importance of MUSIC in our journey through life, and it’s no exaggeration to say that the stories in MUSIC are behind our evolution; without MUSIC we probably would not exist.

Stories which come first, and have music added to them after the fact, have the power to convey emotions, set moods, and create narratives without the use of words. Throughout history, various musical forms have been employed to tell stories, evoke imagery, and communicate ideas. Here are a few examples:

1. Program Music: This is instrumental music that aims to depict or narrate a specific story, scene, or concept. Composers like Richard Strauss (e.g., “Also sprach Zarathustra”) and Modest Mussorgsky (e.g., “Pictures at an Exhibition”) have created programmatic works that portray specific themes or narratives through music.
2. Film Scores: In movies, music plays a crucial role in enhancing storytelling. Film composers compose scores that align with the emotions, actions, and plot of the movie, heightening the audience’s engagement and creating a deeper connection with the story being told.
3. Opera and Musical Theatre: These art forms combine music, singing, and storytelling. Through a combination of vocal performances, music, and staging, operas and musicals convey intricate narratives and character development.
4. Ballads and Folk Songs: Throughout history, many folk songs and ballads have told stories of love, tragedy, historical events, and cultural traditions. These songs often have a strong narrative element and have been passed down through generations, preserving tales and legends.
5. Concept Albums: In popular music, concept albums are cohesive bodies of work where the songs are interconnected, forming a larger narrative or theme. Artists like Pink Floyd (e.g., “The Wall”) and The Who (e.g., “Tommy”) have released concept albums that tell compelling stories through their music.

And while we’re at it, let’s recap on our humanity’s intense relationship with music.

Ancient Times:

• Ancient Mesopotamia (3500–1000 BCE): One of the earliest known musical cultures with evidence of instruments like lyres and harps.
• Ancient Egypt (3100–332 BCE): Music played a significant role in religious ceremonies and daily life. Instruments included the harp, flute, and percussion instruments.
• Ancient Greece (800–200 BCE): Music was highly regarded and integrated into various aspects of Greek society. Influential philosophers like Pythagoras and Plato explored the mathematical and philosophical nature of music.

Medieval and Renaissance Periods:

• Medieval Europe (500–1400): Sacred music dominated during this period, particularly Gregorian chant in the Catholic Church. Secular music, such as troubadour songs, also emerged.
• Renaissance (1400–1600): This era witnessed a shift toward more complex and polyphonic compositions. Composers like Josquin des Prez and Giovanni Palestrina made significant contributions.

Baroque and Classical Periods:

• Baroque (1600–1750): Characterized by elaborate ornamentation, the Baroque era saw the emergence of renowned composers like Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and Antonio Vivaldi.
• Classical (1750–1820): A period of balance and symmetry, famous composers like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven made significant contributions. The symphony and sonata forms were developed.

Romantic Period and Modern Times:

• Romantic (1800–1910): Romantic composers like Franz Schubert, Frederic Chopin, and Richard Wagner embraced emotional expression, expanded orchestras, and created grandiose works.
• 20th Century: This era witnessed diverse musical styles and movements, including impressionism (Claude Debussy), expressionism (Arnold Schoenberg), jazz (Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington), and rock and roll (Elvis Presley, The Beatles).
• Contemporary: Music in the 21st century encompasses an array of genres, styles, and technological advancements. Pop, hip-hop, electronic music, and world music have gained immense popularity and continue to evolve.

Afghani men playing the Tambur

So, think about your own music story; how does music shape your life every day? How does it keep you going? Keep you energised, happy, able to function, able to connect with others, able to carry on being the human that you — and we — all are? Think of those music-makers as the scientists that keep the world turning, and when you’ve analyzed all that, take some time out to GO THANK A MUSICIAN.