I was again asked by a student this week, "What is your favorite music?" I am always stumped by this question. I don't think I really have one kind of music that is my favorite. My spotify lists are eclectic! But the question made me recall a wonderful conversation with Anthony and Melody Molinaro, Aaron Butler, and Gregory Ristow this past summer, where we considered the differences between the musics we love.
There is not one way that I participate in music.
(1) There are the recordings I love — these are specific moments captured in time that never change. I want to listen to some of them over and over and seem to never tire of these specific recordings. (this is not a huge playlist)
(2) There are also musics (songs, shows, repertoire, composers, major and minor works) that I love differently, as opportunities for new discovery. These are not tied to any specific recordings, rather they are examples I would be thrilled to see live, knowing that each rendition will be different from the last. The interpretations of these performances will always come from a new moment in time, often from different performers, each one unique and full of potential. Sometimes they hit and other times they miss and that is part of the thrill. (this list is slightly larger than the recordings)
(3) And lastly there are many musics that I do and do not care to listen to recordings of, and many musics that I do and do not care to go see live, but would be thrilled to be a part of the performance of. Performing, the live, in the moment, crafting of music is for me an experience so unlike listening to recordings or attending live performance. The "making of music" opens an even wider net of music that I love and am thrilled to participate in. (this list is massive)
I have forever conflated these three points and will now try to remember to keep the lanes clear. When asked "what is your favorite music" I will be better able to describe my experience.
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