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18th Century Classical Music

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Classical music is characterised by a sense of balance, symmetry, and clear structure. This reflects the emphasis on reason and order that was prevalent during the Enlightenment, a philosophical movement that coincided with the Classical period. The ability to ground ideas and make them a reality is what we humans ultimately do. Following instructions is a cornerstone of countless professions, from car assembly lines to orchestra pits. When precise outcomes are paramount, clear-cut guidance reigns supreme.

Take car manufacturers; every bolt to be tightened, every weld inspected, and adherence to a meticulous blueprint. And for fast-food giants, efficiency hinges on standardised methods of preparation and service. “We cook our burgers this way, not that!” Musical scores are a fundamental element of musical structure. Most performances, especially classical, rely on a score, providing a framework with defined notes, rhythms, and dynamics. This structure guides the musician's actions, ensuring coherence and predictability. However, note that even within adherence to the score, each musician has their own unique interpretation. They make artistic choices about phrasing, dynamics, and articulation, injecting their personal voice and spontaneous expression into the structured framework.

Strict adherence to the script isn't the recipe for success. Music transcends mere technical execution. Many musicians are naturally concerned about performing classical music with considerable accuracy. However, without a sense of 'play', the output, whilst being ‘perfect’, could easily be heard as lifeless. While musical scores provide a framework, it's the injection of passion, interpretation, and even a touch of unpredictability that makes the magic happen. Similarly, in non-musical scenarios, relying solely on rigid instructions can stifle motivation, limit challenges, and squash spontaneity. While precision has its place, a healthy dose of human intuition and adaptability will breathe life into the process, fostering innovation and true engagement.

Taking reason and structure too far produces systems of human experience that are progressively more restrictive. This is the territory of the autocrat. Limits are placed on individual expression, and there is a strong emphasis on conformity. Highly controlled societies with little to no individual freedom often experience widespread low morale. The constant pressure to conform, lack of autonomy, and limited opportunities for creative expression suffocate individuals and sap their motivation. For example, the former East Germany, characterised by its rigid communist bureaucracy and strict social controls, saw numerous instances of citizen dissatisfaction and even protests for greater freedom. But on a day-to-day basis, life was said to be ‘grey’.

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