Tradition and Creativity in Music
A good friend of mine sent me recently a link to an interesting discussion posted on YouTube, and asked for my comments. As the topic of the panel discussion is music, I just couldn’t resist to write my response here on my blog. So, here it is.
The event was held at the Princeton Theological Seminary Chapel on June 15, 2024, beginning with a discussion with Sir James MacMillan, Dr. Margarita Mooney Clayton, and Peter Carter on how noble and accessible sacred music can once again shape all popular culture. The discussion was followed by a choral concert of music by all living composers: eight new choral works based on the texts of the Antiphons of Corpus Christi as well as music by renowned composers James MacMillan and Paul Jernberg.
Sir James MacMillan is a Scottich classical composer and conductor; Peter is a choral music composer and conductor; and Margarita Mooney Clayton is a professor at Princeton Theological Seminary, who is the author of numerous books and popular articles and an inspiring public speaker on topics such as education, culture, virtues, and faith.
This was a fascinating discussion that really resonated with the core values we hold dear here at Musicably – the enduring power of music and its ability to connect us across time. The conversations devled into the crucial work of nurturing young musical talent, specifically within the realm of choral music, composition, and singing. And honestly, it left me feeling deeply inspired about the role tradition plays in safeguarding the beauty of music for future generations.
One of the central themes that struck me was the profound connection between tradition and creativity. Sir James eloquently spoke about his deep involvement with liturgy and how the established traditions within it don’t stifle creativity, but rather act as a fertile ground for it to flourish. It’s like the roots of a magnificent tree – they are firmly planted in the earth, providing stability and nourishment, allowing the branches to reach towards the sky in unique and breathtaking ways. In music, our traditions – the techniques, the forms, the rich history of melodies and harmonies – are those roots. They provide a foundation upon which new and meaningful musical expressions can be built.
Think about it. The great composers throughout history didn’t emerge from a vacuum. They were deeply knowledgeable about the musical language of their time, the innovations of their predecessors, and the established forms that provided a framework for their own genius. It’s through understanding and engaging with this lineage that true innovation can occur, not by discarding it entirely. As Sir James pointed out, tradition isn’t a constraint; it’s a source of inspiration, a springboard for creative responses to new contexts and challenges.
Peter Carter’s insights further emphasized this point, particularly in the context of sacred music within the Catholic Church. He spoke passionately about the inherent beauty of music and the vital need to elevate its presence and quality within the church. His vision for creating new beauty that is informed by tradition is precisely what we need across all genres of music. It’s about understanding the timeless principles of harmony, melody, and rhythm that have moved audiences for centuries and finding fresh ways to express them in our contemporary world. We’re not just blindly replicating the past; we’re drawing wisdom from it to create something new and equally profound.
What truly warmed my heart during the discussion was the emphasis on community and collaboration. The speakers highlighted the deeply moving experience of liturgies where faculty, choir, and composers come together, creating something far greater than the sum of their individual parts. This resonates so strongly with what we believe at Musicably.com. Music, at its core, is a communal experience. Whether it’s performing together, listening together, or even learning together, it’s about forging connections and sharing something beautiful.
The idea of community inspiring collaboration is so powerful. When musicians from different backgrounds and with different skills come together, guided by a shared understanding of musical tradition, the possibilities are limitless. It’s in these collaborative spaces that new ideas are sparked, techniques are shared, and a deeper appreciation for the art form is cultivated. Music isn’t meant to be a solitary pursuit; it thrives in connection and shared experience.
The conversation also touched upon the important topic of accessibility and inclusivity, and I want to emphasize how crucial this is from a purely musical standpoint. Sir James addressed the misconception that classical music is elitist, and his commitment to making music education accessible to all is something I wholeheartedly support. However, my focus here is strictly on musical inclusivity.
Think about the vast and diverse tapestry of musical traditions that exist across the globe. Each tradition holds its own unique beauty, its own set of rules and nuances, its own way of telling stories through sound. To truly be inclusive in the world of music means to be open to exploring and learning from these diverse traditions. It means recognizing the inherent value in different musical languages and appreciating the richness they bring to the global musical landscape. It’s about ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to engage with this vast wealth of musical heritage, regardless of their background.
Accessibility, from a musical perspective, means ensuring that the tools and knowledge needed to understand and participate in music are available to everyone who has the desire. This isn’t about dumbing things down; it’s about providing pathways for anyone to delve into the intricacies and joys of music, whether it’s learning an instrument, understanding music theory, or simply developing a deeper appreciation for listening. By making music more accessible, we are not only enriching individual lives but also ensuring that the traditions we cherish are passed on and continue to evolve.
Finally, the discussion touched on the potential dangers of ideology overshadowing art. This is a crucial point. Music, in its purest form, transcends fleeting trends and ideologies. It speaks to something deeper within the human spirit, something timeless and universal. Our focus should always be on the integrity of the music itself, on the beauty of the sounds and the emotions they evoke. By prioritizing the art form, we ensure that the music we create and preserve has the power to resonate with audiences across generations, free from the constraints of any particular moment in time.
In conclusion, the insights shared by Sir James McMillan and Peter Carter underscore a vital truth: tradition is not a relic of the past, but a living, breathing foundation for the future of music. By understanding, respecting, and building upon the rich musical heritage that has been passed down to us, we can ensure that the beauty and power of music continue to enrich the lives of generations to come. Community and collaboration are the lifeblood of this process, fostering creativity and ensuring that the love of music is shared and amplified. And by striving for musical accessibility and inclusivity, we open the doors to a wider appreciation and participation in the diverse and wondrous world of sound.
Let’s continue to champion the enduring power of tradition, not as a rigid set of rules, but as a source of wisdom and inspiration that will guide us in creating and preserving music that truly resonates for all time. What are your thoughts on the role of tradition in music? Share your comments by email – I’d love to hear your perspective!
