Ferrara, "Intoduction" Summary and Reaction

The comprehension of music in western society has improved significantly since methods of analysis were first codified. This is somewhat due to the availability of music in western culture. In an age of electronic supremacy, one can simply type a few words in a computer and have a list of musical selection, including sound samples, at their disposal in less than 30 seconds( or less if you type fast.) Or even hold up you iPhone to a speaker and have it tell you what the recording is. No longer is music an aristocratic privilege but a readily available commodity in western culture.
Being that music is so common, Dr. Lawrence Ferrara insists that we adjust our methods of analysis of a musical selection. Ferrara states we must expand our comprehension of music beyond one single form of listening but rather open up to three methods of analysis at the same time. These layers include traditional formalities, sound-in-time, and referential imports that are present within the entirety of music. This simply means all the things that influenced the creation of music down to the performance of the piece and what it does for a listener.
Ferrara continues with his introduction to explain how “straightforward” the breakdown on the following book will be laid out. The successive chapters will serve to systematically introduce the reader to more and more expansive views on how to analyze a “bit” of music. It seem with such a presence of formal scholarly analysis floating about the academic world that it should only make sense for this book to put emphasis on how to dissect and discuss music from a referential point of view. This new way of eclectically approaching music is important as we push the limits of the definition of music in the 20th century.

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Personal Reaction

If the language of the introduction is indicative of the chapters to follow it is clear it will be very wordy. It is only an opinion but, new concepts that over-state a simple facts by weaving convoluted sentences only slows the process of comprehension of a new concept (i.e. makes new material difficult to digest.) I also believe that Ferrara will probably try to bring us up to speed with the history behind 20th century music very quickly which will add to its difficulty. It may not be too easy to absorb what is being said due to this choice of presentation; however, it will be enlightening and highly informative toward a new transcendental way of experiencing music that might be necessary as the boundaries of music expand.