What is music?

Scripture invites us to worship God with music. Scripture does not, however, define what music is.

 

Aaron, at long last, here is my definition of music:
------------------------------------------------

"The art of arranging sounds in time so as to produce a continuous, unified, and evocative composition using the greater or lesser combination of melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre."
------------------------------------------------

The core Bible principles of music teach using it as an expression of worship toward God; as the outward expression of joy, particularly at times of great victory; the use of diverse instruments and arrangments of voices to accomplish the act of praise and worship; organized leadership structure for music ministry; a critical component of the Spirit-filled life...

Let's launch from here. Now, I will say at the outset that I would like to avoid the same old/same old with you. Can you think of a different path to take other than the one you usually take? Could we please march to the beat of a different drummer this time? I am fairly certain that if we don't, I will likely disengage from the dialogue.

 

Oh, well. It was worth an ask.

I am glad that you liked the def...I almost made the 25 word limit!

I'll see what you do with the above as to my decision to stay or leave.

 

Greetings Aaron:

Hope you are doing well this week.

I am really not sure why you have addressed me yet again, especially given the fact that I have not taken part in your little discussion. I still find it very hard to take you seriously when you utter such affectionate nicknames in my direction. Undoubtedly it is done to express Christian love, but on the surface, but don't forget that, on the surface, it does make one look rather simplistic.

But thanks for remembering me. I appreciate you mentioning me with all these other fellow Christians.

Have a great week.

Wishing God's Blessings upon all of you,
BiR

 

Be careful about saying that all music has to be "organized." Back when I went to college as a music major, the avant garde included "chance music," which wasn't organized by anyone at all, other than to say the participants were all in the same place at the same time.
Perhaps "collected" is a better word.

And words can be music, too. After all, they are sounds, and quite meaningless in their own right, except for the meaning we associate with them. There are pieces that are just words; spoken, whispered, shouted, and otherwise manipulated for their sheer musical content, not their "meaning." Robert Ashley's "She Was a Visitor" comes to mind as an example.

However, the difference between music and noise is indeed in the ear of the beholder.

 

Yea, Debby, I remember listening to John Cage when I was in college. In fact, I did an avant garde "happening" with the students I student taught. So, I get what you're saying...

 

I'd like to be but I felt I needed a breather. We've just bought a new home and are presently getting settled in.

Don't worry, I'll be back

 

Well, Greetings to you, Aaron:

Again: thanks - I am very flattered that you would publicly acknowledge me. As a matter of fact, this post even offered repetition. How thoughtful that you would offer such an insightful monologue that deals specifically about me. I am genuinely touched, and sincerely wish God's Blessings upon you and your family (you have two daughters if I am not mistaken).

Thanks again: I do indeed find your postings delightful. A bit lacking in substance or wit, but delightful nonetheless.

Have a fantastic and safe holiday weekend.

BiR

 

Psalm 33: 1-3 NIV

Sing joyfully to the Lord you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

Praise the Lord with the harp:
make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

Psalm 81: 1-2:

Sing for joy to God our strength;
shout aloud to the God of Jacob!

Begin the music, strike the tambourine, play the melodious harp and lyre.

 

Do you see why that kind of "music" isn't really a valid form? </font>[/QUOTE]I never said that I personally thought it was. At least not to the extreme. Even when giving a group of students an assignment to come up with a "musical" presentation using whatever they could put their hands on, I always say that "anything goes, but you must have a plan." Even if that is just an order of whose turn it is. To me music must be ordered. Most of what we do in church is fairly strictly ordered, even if there is some improvisation. I was speaking from the broader perspective, including "concert" music as well as pop music or church music, etc, and including the ideas of folks with whom I do not agree.

 

Well, hello Aaron:

Sorry for my delay in responding to you as I have been on a much-needed vacation.

I am really not sure why you are writing poetry to me (specifically a limerick). Your fixation with me is flattering - albeit a little disturbing. But thanks all the same. I am not sure you truly understand the meaning of the word "myopic," as the only time I post is when you address me. That is also why my posts are "off topic" as you put it. In other words, I only post when you make direct comments to me. I imagined that you had grasped that by now; however, the affectionate limerick you have written seemingly indicates otherwise.

Rest assured my responses will be congenial when address me directly. Should you offer something that exhibits originality or insight, I will even compliment you.

A sincere wish that your Labor Day weekend was as fantastic as mine,
BiR

 

So sorry: I missed this one.
As I stated in my previous post, I had hoped that you deduced that I only post when you specifically address me.

Have a fantastic week.

God's Blessings upon you and your family,
BiR

 

Alas, poor Drama Queener. If only that were true.</font>[/QUOTE]Well, hello Aaron:

You really didn't have to respond to me, but thanks for your reply. Sadly though, you are mistaken. If you read the posts I have offered in this discussion, I only respond when addressed. Regardless of whether or not you acknowledge this, it is indeed accurate.

Ah, yes - the lunch thread. I had forgotten about that, but thanks for reminding me.

Oh, okay: thanks so much for clarifying that.

Now that isn't exactly true, is it?
Go back to your post on August 27th: you addressed me by your affectionate nickname, didn't you? I did not "make a scene," I simply responded in kind, offered my regards and wished you a great week.

The reality is that I only respond when you mention me or address me directly. Should you opt not to do this, I will not correspond with you. If you don't believe me, give it a try.

I thought you would have ascertained this by now.....

Like I said before, have a great week and I hope that God is blessing you and your family,
BiR