[Smt-talk] Pieces contrary to the minor/major = sad/non-sad stereotype

[Charles J. Smith]

In the midst of administrative travails in recent weeks, I've been  
watching this thread...with perhaps more skepticism that was entirely  
charitable. If I had more time, I would like to encourage and  
participate in a more general discussion of mode and affect,  
historical and present, in the light of all that supposed  
sophistication that we lay claim to as scholars and serious thinkers  
about and in music. But, alas, no...

Instead a simple amazed observation...that no one has mentioned the  
slow movement of Ravel's G major Piano Concerto. Even though I have  
profound Nelson-Goodman–encouraged suspicions about the  
meaningfulness of saying that a piece of music is sad...surely no  
major-mode movement is sadder than this one.

Best wishes to all,
Charles


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Prof. Charles J. Smith
Associate Professor of Music Theory & Chair of the Department
Music Department, 220 Baird Hall, University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14260
cjsmith at buffalo.edu
Chair's Office: 716-645-2764
Private Line: 716-645-0639
Office Fax: 716-645-3824




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