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Jim Trageser's avatar

I didn't realize there was a whole school of theory that held the audience is what makes the arts arts. Certain advantages to just being an ink-stained wretch out of academia.

I think that viewpoint is ridiculous though - Tommy Flanagan practicing at home wasn't real music? What about after-hours jam sessions in KC in the '30s - were those "real music"? Bach composed most of his music in his role as a music director at a local parish; since most worship music of the time was performed BY the audience, WAS there an audience - and, if not, does that mean Bach's music isn't real music?

And, yes, the participatory music of mourning and loss that you focus on here is very much music.

There were a few box sets in the '90s that focused on this aspect of using music to comfort the soul, and featured funeral music from around the world, from dozens of traditions. It was a fascinating, if not a relaxing listen.

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