By the "other" people's definition, some of the greatest composers and musical traditions would be completely discounted or overlooked.
It's not that you see what others cannot, but rather that others have shut their minds. You have refused to close your mind, and that choice has enriched your mind.
Classical music generally does not have words, and there are plenty of great pieces scribed by Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Strauss, Dvorak, Telemann, Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Holst, and many more.
There is a wealth of folk music from around the world which lack words, and all are great - whether it is from Ireland, Morocco, or Japan.
Even in more modern times, well known composers write great wordless music for movie soundtracks. Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits has been doing this for years, as have a number of other artists from the '80s.
Loreena McKennitt loves to use long musical intros and interludes in her songs, allowing the music to seep in and take hold of you like drifting into a dream. Film producers have taken note of her music and how it stirs emotions. Now many studios approach her for soundtrack music. She was one of the finalists for the Lord of the Rings soundtrack (she was not chosen, but she had many prior movie credits).
McKennitt is a self-made woman who plays 5 different instruments, and who began her career by founding her own recording company to publish her music. That she has been so successful around the world is a testament to the power of instrumental music. Sure, McKennitt sings in most of her songs, but ALL of her songs are based upon cultural music. For her, it's not about the lyrics, but rather about the rhythms, the melodies, and the harmonies. It's about the music - blending the aspects of folk music from far flung cultural traditions into a single emotionally powerful song.
So, when people propose that good music needs words, turn the conversation towards movies and music. Lord of the Rings. Harry Potter. Star Wars. Braveheart. Indiana Jones. Any movie with music by Danny Elfman. One could even bring up the old Looney Tunes cartoons which relied heavily upon classical music. Chances are most people are more familiar with - and probably like - more music than they realize.
One modern movie track to hit it big without lyrics: Mortal Kombat. The only words are sound clips from the movie and the games, but not a single word sung or rapped.
If that fails, there is always Trans-Siberian Orchestra with their broodingly powerful spin on traditional Christmas music.
I bet they like a lot of music without words. They just don't realize it.
Edited by
actionlynx
on Sun 01/01/12 11:34 PM
