Substance: the meaning, the message, the truth trying to be expressed
Manner: the method in which the composer articulates.
The substance is what is trying to be communicated and the manner is the way in which it is delivered. A truly great work of art has both. When one is heavy on either side, I believe a lot can be learned, but its ability to transcend itself and leave a lasting impression becomes severely limited.
In practice
Substance: a song usually sung by Andrea Bocelli - perhaps a message of heart break and sorrow told in a simple format. Rich in truth and maybe even with an adequate metaphor, but interested in expressing only the message - there is no interest in how it is expressed, just as long as there is a semi-tone modulation in the bridge much to the delight of his audience.
Manner: a Lied (song) in Anton Webern style serialism where even the text must conform to the matrix,even disallowing a message separate from the music. It is all manner, involved with itself and expressing only that, although extremely intricate and brilliant in its own way.
I will admit that a synthesis of Bocelli and Webern cannot exist... but a synthesis in Hegelian terms is what I mean. If we admit that these two extremes exist in our musical institutions a synthesis of the two, manner and substance that is, is what makes a great work of art.
That an audience has an experience not only by what is being said but how it is articulated. You can see these sides in the field today: the more commercial end of modern music which entertains all audience expectations, and the cerebral intellectual formalism challenging audiences. I pose that something in the middle will actually add to the experience of the audience and enrich their lives. It should also enrich the rich tradition of classical music.
I welcome posts now to challenge or give examples to start a discussion with these terms. Who represents Manner, who Substance - who synthesizes well (for give the homonym).
No comments:
Post a Comment