Meaning of Expression in Music
Musical expression refers to the art of playing or singing with a personal response to the music. It involves using various elements such as dynamics, phrasing, timbre, and articulation to bring the music to life. Composers may specify these aspects of expression to a greater or lesser extent in the notation of their musical score.
At a theoretical level, the nature of musical expression has been discussed throughout the history of classical music. One common view is that music both expresses and evokes emotion, forming a conduit for emotional communication between the musician and the audience. However, there have been differing perspectives on the role of emotion in music, with some, like Igor Stravinsky, seeing music as a pure art form and expression as an irrelevant distraction.
Overall, musical expression involves the intentional conveyance of emotions, personal interpretation, and the use of various musical elements to bring the music to life. It allows musicians to express their feelings and communicate with the audience on an emotional level.
1. When a composition is trying to represent something extra-musical, it is said to be an expression of the composer or of an idea such as the composition is an expression of the composer's grief.
2. In the performance of a composition, expression refers to such things as dynamics, tempo, and articulation. These indications are known as expression marks.
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