The Wonders of Music and the Brain: An Art Form Woven from Imagination and Calculation
Music has the power to stir our emotions, but behind it lies delicate calculation and deep imagination is hidden. Performers and singers do not rely solely on intuition; they meticulously plan everything from the overall structure of the piece to how they use their voices and bodies.
For example, the points of climax that we feel naturally when singing, or how to create a highlight, are calculated not just by emotion, but by deciding “where” and “how” to progress through the song. Elements like phrasing (note length and rhythm) and preparing the body to produce sound can also be thought of much like arithmetic.
In this way, music is an art form where imagination and calculation are brilliantly combined.
This time, I will share the depth of music from the perspective of calculation and construction.
First, let's look at the arithmetic side of rhythm and melody.
The “phrasing” of music, such as note length and rhythm, is truly the world of arithmetic.
In 4/4 time, each measure is constructed so that it always equals the length of four quarter notes.
No matter how complex the notes or rhythms become, this rule never changes, so you rarely end up with extra beats or awkward phrasing starting from a 1-2-3-4 count. This is why large groups like orchestras or choirs can play perfectly in sync under a conductor.
Next is the “construction of the song,” which involves creating climaxes and calculating dynamics.
Every song has a climax, and how you build up to it is where a performer's skill is showcased.
When I was a student, my mentor often told me,
“A singer must always remain somewhat calm”
It is often thought that singers perform emotionally, carried away by their feelings, but that is not actually the case.
While many are highly sensitive, they do more than that; they
meticulously calculate how to make it sound as if they are singing emotionally.They consider where the climax is, what kind of voice and style will make it exciting, how to sing the parts leading up to it, and how to control their breath and prepare from the start to ensure they can project their voice fully at the climax.
If the biggest climax is at the end of the song, managing physical stamina is also crucial.
This kind of physical control is
a part that cannot be achieved through mere emotional expression. Furthermore, to create a highlight,
simple parts are surprisingly important.For example, even in a song expressing heavy emotions, if you sing with that same heavy style throughout, the song can become monotonous or just sound gloomy.Therefore, by
daring to create simple, light sections, you can make the highlights stand out more, add contrast to the entire piece, and leave a strong impression on the listener. This is also a calculated technique, an effect born from singing while thinking ahead.
Music is not just about expressing emotion; it is an art form where imagination and calculation are exquisitely combined.
By performing while calculating the accuracy of rhythm and phrasing, the use of the body, and the overall structure of the song, the depth of emotion and the beauty of technique are brought out.
Whether you are the performer or the listener, noticing the fine calculations and ingenuity behind the surface allows for an even deeper way to enjoy music.
I feel that music is an art of emotion and calculation♪