One of the most influential and impactful arts that exists is music. Music has existed for thousands and thousands of years and has been and will always will be a premier form of entertainment. What is so special about music is that its variance depends on so many factors, one major factor being culture. Thus, music is a universal language in which people of all backgrounds and nationalities can speak with one another on common ground. The type of music we listen to is also indicative of the kind of person we are and the types of character traits we possess. In short, music shapes our lives.
The beginnings of music took place even before the Biblical era. The Greeks, Indians, and Persians all began creating instruments and making music as early as 2500 BC, with primitive instruments such as bagpipes and the fiddle. Such music set the groundwork for what was to come during the Biblical era.
The Bible frequently refers to music and song, and even has a book dedicated to songs entitled “Psalms.” One of the most famous Biblical musicians was David, who composed most of the psalms in the Bible and played the harp. The Biblical era was a turning point for music in culture, as it became a commonplace method of expressing oneself.
With the development of music over time came the large quantity and variety of music over time. Each country had developed its own genre of music, uniquely expressing a part of its culture that is different from the rest. In the words of French poet Victor Hugo, “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.” Composers and musicians were coveted for their artistic and creative abilities of instrumentation and singing. Artists such as Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi and Bach came to fame and fortune due to their musical abilities. It should come as no surprise that their pieces are some of the most well-known and commonly played pieces by professional orchestras around the world, even today.
Music is highly indicative of personality and character. Music taste reflects and highlights some aspects about yourself that you may not have realized existed. As Danish author Hans Christian Anderson once said, “Where words fail, music speaks.” The enjoyment of pop music, rap/hip hop, and country suggests that you are extroverted, conventional, and honest, according to this study. Conversely, those who enjoy rock/metal, indie, and classical music tend to be introverted and more creative. Your taste in music says a lot about you, and may even be stretched to predict what your interests are. For example, it is likely that those who love pop music also love to dance, while those who enjoy classical music might sing or play an instrument. Your specific lifestyle and priorities are just one of the things that your taste in music can predict about you.
The dual ability of expressing oneself and expressing one’s culture and background is one thing that makes music so special. Music not only shapes our lives, but also the world. As the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche put it, “Without music, life would be a mistake.”
