Music: Universal or Personal?

Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries and cultures. It comes in various forms and features a diverse range of instruments and vocal styles, including a capella. Regardless of the language or cultural origin, the distinct melody of any musical piece is easily recognizable as music, be it a ballad, rock and roll, lullaby, hymn, sonata, or march.

Cultural and Sub-cultural Distinctions in Music

Each country or continent has its own unique rhythm or melody that reflects its cultural origins. It is easy to distinguish between Oriental and Western music, as well as the music of individual countries or regions within the same continent. For instance, Chinese music is different from Filipino music, and even between countries with similar origins, such as China and Japan, there is a clear distinction in their melodic arrangements and rhythms. Australian music also differs from that of the UK, despite their shared ancestral roots.

In-culture Musical Evolution and Striation

Within the same nation or region, music evolves and diversifies over time. People can often identify the decade or year in which a particular song became a hit, illustrating the concept of musical evolution, which is also seen in other creative media like painting and cinema.

Cross-culture Musical Preferences

Cross-cultural music preferences may or may not be attributed to the musical piece or genre itself. While some compositions transcend cultural boundaries, such as the works of classical masters, cross-boundary music can also be influenced by external factors, such as:

• Hegemonic influences from imperial conquests • Musical influences that piggyback on other media masterpieces, like impactful films and their soundtracks • Strong inter-country, inter-city, or inter-continent relationships • Musical adaptation due to shared experiences or situations, such as rebellion, revolution, upheavals, or natural disasters

Any combination of these influences can propel various artists to the top of international charts. Those who achieve success without relying on these factors are universally recognized as being of “gold” or “platinum” caliber, as they have been in their home countries.

In conclusion, while music is indeed universal in its ability to connect people across cultures and boundaries, it is also a personal experience, shaped by individual preferences and experiences. Therefore, music can be both universal and personal, reflecting the diverse and unique tastes of individuals worldwide.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME