Most people would say that It would be easier to be deaf than blind (true, it would be easier to "live" when living includes walking, reading, talking, etc.) but when it comes to me I think I would have a hard time living without being able to articulate a melody, tapping out a rhythm, or feeling the chills and beauty that only a dissonant chord can bring.
A great man explained music as not just complete emotion (for example, heavy metal bands who sound like they are vomiting and exploding their instruments. . . or any emo band), nor is it complete terms and complexity (like your Chamber Orchestra, the period of the renaissance, and all the classical things that are 'appropriate' and 'structured'). Its just the right blend of emotion and musicality produced to enhance the tones that ought to be stressed. Sounds kinda complex. Yes, and yet it makes sense once it is understood. Let me elaborate-
If one were to listen to a Bach concerto, a Mozart sonata, or a monk chant, they would be able to sense some sort of structure or pattern (a.k.a cadence or stanza) to that particular piece. Very basic, very structured. The emotions seem a bit caught up in the tightness of the music. Imagine an old english setting where Women wear corset-it tightens their diaphragm and does not allow thier emotions to breath easily- Not only physically, but usually the corset is worn to make them impress, for them to do something that is not natural for them. This music is played at this setting and I believe it fits very well-The music is structured and intended to impress the structure. It is not very emotional or extreme in any case. It is safely kept to a soft, pleasant, somewhat light structure so as not to take away attention from the party it is accompanying. So, just as the corset doesn't allow the women to breath; the rules and structure of the renaissance and baroque era's dont allow the music to breath as much as needed to be complete.
If one were to compare a Chopin Nocturne, Liszt piece, Rachmoninoff prelude, Prokiev waltz, or Stravinsky ballet, The first thing that one would notice is the difference of tone of these artists. They have provided more emotion because their peices are being performed, the music deserving attention, or (continuing with the party theme) "wearing the tux." These peices move forward with more rhythmic ideas, more complexity, and more emotional musicality to them, because they are the centerpiece. Especially with the case of Debussey, they venture forth for more dissonance, and less structure. Those who study music and can break out of the rules of the classical era will find a bigger depth and beauty to this music, because they have more room to breath.
Modernly, the music has completely expanded beyond, well... music itself. Rap, R & B, Metal, and some Rock have been developed completely out of emotion and only are worth the lyrics, or noise, they produce. To be fair, R & B still uses some musical chords and dissonance and other such musical aspects, but as a whole, they have put on their own lyrics and thus putting on their own musical corset. But continuing with the original classical idea, there are classical music today that has just the right blend of musicality and emotion to make absolutely beautiful peices.
Thinking about different types of music though. . . I think the most emotional, beautiful, and rich music comes from the choral world. The reason why is because everything sung can be put into a myriad of emotions- all that the human body can produce. The most natural instrument we have can produce the most natural sound and show the most emotion. Instruments just cant produce the tones and beauty that only the human voice can produce.
Sorry for the random thought, but I just had to point that out. So, the best blend of musicality and emotion turn into the most chilling and beautiful tune. When performed in the manner that addresses both of those issues, it makes my heart stop, and makes me so thankful that I can hear! Im not sure my take on music will change anytime soon-obviously as I continue to grow it might change- but alot goes into the music that we hear, and I just thought I would point that out.
