Science and Music
Science and art rarely achieve synergy – often characterised as polar opposites. Yet to fully appreciate each of these dichotomous disciplines, Music can offer a unique perspective. Intertwined, Music unpicks the hidden meaning behind life; often making intangible concepts tangible. It enables people to develop a deeper understanding and greater awareness of the natural and social environments which surround us. Music: a synecdoche for life itself and what it means to be human.
Music spotlights the diversity of emotions that coexist within the human psyche. Harmonies and melodies amalgamated purposely to create a rich symphony, capable of both evoking an optimistic reaction or perhaps even an antipathetic one. Truthfully, Music is the only form of art that can represent a dichotomy of emotions. From the triumphant fanfare extolling nothing but joy and grandeur, to the melancholic tune of a solitary violin, sending a solitary tear to cascade down the listener’s cheek. Perhaps even a discordant melody played upon a flute is enough to make the hairs of the audience stand on end as they continue to listen with great trepidation. To be put quite simply, Music is the key that unlocks emotion within and elicits an emotional reaction.
Unlike any other form of art, Music can be used to represent ideas that the human brain cannot even comprehend. Take Astronomy - one of the most ambiguous areas of science that stretches beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. Ironically, Space is almost ‘alien’ to us as humans. Yet Music can be crafted to enable humans to understand the unfathomable whilst also capturing the complexity and splendour at the same time. In particular, Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite ‘The Planets’ encompasses the very essence of Space and the majesty which surround it. Littered with jubilant brass leaps, Holst captures an atmospheric undercurrent in Uranus. Contrastingly, in ‘Saturn’, the atonal melody of the flute to instil a great sense of unease and apprehension representing the unknown. Even a simple change in speed can cultivate an overwhelming sense of excitement or even a sense of dread.
Classical Music has paved the way for Music as we know it in modern society. Not only does Music inspire us as listeners, but it also influences other composers. Holst’s music can be deemed so influential and resonant that it inspired the great John Williams to write the soundtrack for ‘Star Wars’, a worldwide phenomenon. In many cases, Music is used to maximise films. Would we sit anxiously on the edges of our seats without the quick movement of the strings as we contemplate Chrissie’s future in Jaws?
Probably not.
