Inertia and Action in Music Autscape 2008 Katja Gottschewski

Inertia in Music Minimalist music (examples: Steve Reich, Philip Glass, Terry Riley) Silence (John Cage, 4’33’’) Ostinato, bourdon Loops Active music that makes us feel inertial  Inertial music that makes us feel agitated or active

Inertia in Music can be... meditative (e.g. chanting, didgeridoo, Arvo Pärt’s “Fratres”) calming a source of stability (an inertial element in active music, e.g. “Bordone” from Britten’s 1st Suite for Cello) an expression of tentativeness and uncertainty (e.g. group improvisation) an expression of hopelessness and frustration (e.g. “Requiem for a Dream”) a metaphor for death (e.g. Schubert lieder)

Action in Music Example: Astor Piazzolla, “Adios Nonino” Change – rhythmically, harmonically, melodically, dynamically, tempo, character Direction Expectation Structure Tension and relaxation

Getting from inertia to action Breaking a pattern Gradual or sudden change Harmonies that give direction and expectations Rhythm as a driving force Changing the dynamics Changing the tempo – not necessarily getting faster Changing the mood Rests

Endings Endings as transitions from inertia to action and vice versa Endings require action The never-ending ending – getting stuck Different types of endings: Ebbing out Ending on the point of culmination Tension and relaxation

Taking it to other situations “Listening” to our own inertia Inertia as a stabilising element – helping us and others to survive in an overwhelming environment Musical techniques to get out of inertia that may be useful in other situations: Change the tempo Find a rhythm / change of rhythm Find a direction / goal Use increased tension to be able to get out of “being stuck” and relax Try to change the mood. Thinking of musical moods may help – e.g. changing from a minor key to a major key Decide how to end an activity