Plough Quarterly No. 31 - Why We Make Music

Communal music has the power to shape a soul and society. Despite pressure from the commercial music industry, a culture of singing and making music remains robust in many places. Plato, Jewish, and Christian traditions suggest that good communal music shapes and builds up the people of God. To choose good music and avoid the bad, spend less time consuming prepackaged tunes and more time making music with others. This will break the spell of isolation and disembodiment and build friendship and community.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2022
Publisher: Plough Publishing House

Communal music possesses an extraordinary ability to shape both an individual's soul and the fabric of society as a whole. While the commercial music industry may exert pressure in various places, a vibrant culture of singing and making music continues to thrive. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the potential consequences of a world without communal music-making, emphasizing its significance.

Plato, renowned for his wisdom, believed that virtuous music played a crucial role in fostering a virtuous community. Jewish and Christian traditions further amplify this notion, recognizing the transformative power of good communal music in shaping and building up the people of God.

In the face of the vast abundance of music readily accessible for consumption, it is essential to navigate the challenge of choosing quality over quantity. The pervasive presence of music as a constant backdrop to our daily lives can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, fostering superficiality and a lack of attention. Fortunately, there is a simple remedy: allocate more time to creating music rather than solely consuming pre-packaged tunes. Engaging in musical activities with others, whether it be singing with family, participating in church choir, joining a string quartet, or initiating regular jam sessions, offers a double reward. It not only enriches personal growth but also fosters a sense of connection, friendship, and community.

Sharing in good music together breaks the spell of isolation and disembodiment, fostering a profound sense of belonging and unity. It serves as a powerful tool for building friendships and cultivating a vibrant community.

In this exploration, we delve into various perspectives on communal music. Maureen Swingers' amateur choir showcases Bach's Saint Matthew Passion, demonstrating the timeless appeal of classical music. Stephen Michael Newby emphasizes that Black spirituals are not exclusive to Black individuals but are cherished by people of all backgrounds. Mary Townsend explores the admiration for Dolly Parton, raising questions about the universal appeal of music. Phil Christman finds solace and catharsis in the YouTube comments section of eighties songs, connecting with others through shared memories and emotions. Ben Crosby advocates for unabashedly weird congregational singing to welcome visitors and create a unique musical experience. Joseph Julián González draws inspiration from ancient Nahua poets, blending traditional indigenous rhythms with contemporary compositions. Christopher Tin explains the power of h.

Dimension: 260 x 191 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636080512