Live Viewing: Technology Bringing Audiences Closer to the Artistry of Music

Exploring the Value of Modern People's Newly Acquired Music Appreciation

■ Changes in the Visual Elements of Music

Technological advancements have brought convenience to people's lives.

Music, too, used to require performers and audiences to share the same space at concerts or live performances. However, thanks to technology, the methods of distribution—such as records, CDs, and downloads—have changed, making it possible to enjoy music with ease.

On the other hand, in exchange for convenience, the form of modern music that lacks the presence of performers has raised questions. As many resonate with Tower Records' catchphrase "NO MUSIC, NO LIFE," music is an essential pastime that provides us with blissful moments in life.

With this in mind, I would like to explore how music appreciation intersects with technology while discussing the necessity of visual elements to enrich the emotions we derive from music.

■ Definition of Music

According to the "Nihon Kokugo Daijiten" (Second Edition), music is "an art expressed through sound, where elements such as strength, length, pitch, tone, and chords are selected and combined by certain methods to appeal to human reasoning and emotions.

It is broadly categorized into vocal music performed by the human voice and instrumental music performed by instruments," and it does not include visual elements.

However, according to the "World Literature Dictionary Vol. 2," music has two aspects: objective sound and subjective appreciation. It is only when both are fully explained that the essence of music can be understood.

Music can be categorized into pieces performed by humans and automatic performances created by machines.

Additionally, music can appeal to the audience's sensitivity when combined with other art forms, such as movies and animations.

In this report, music is defined as songs and instrumental performances expressed by humans, while appreciation refers to the performance by the musician or performer.

■ Survey of User Awareness in Music Listening

■ Importance of Visual Elements in the Classical Music World

First, I would like to focus on the performer.

In the sheet music for "Träumerei" by Schumann, included in "100 Selected Piano Masterpieces Grade B", there are many instances of fingering techniques, such as crossing fingers, which are not directly related to practical functionality. This suggests that, apart from general musical expressions appealing to the auditory sense, visual ingenuity has also been incorporated.

Satoshi Kawase (2016) quoted Schumann as saying, "If Liszt were to perform behind the scenes, most of the poetic elements would be lost," highlighting the importance of visual aspects in music.

In an experiment by Chia-Jung Tsay (2013), general audiences were shown footage from a world-famous music competition. The results revealed that participants were more likely to correctly identify the winner when watching the video without sound than when sound was included.

Therefore, it can be understood that visual elements have become an essential part of evaluating the value of music.

Consequently, as audiences pursue convenience, the once natural act of "seeing music with one's eyes" has gradually been lost—a shift that should not be overlooked.

■ Advantages of Viewing Styles with Modern Technology

Second, I would like to focus on the technology supporting music videos.

According to The Nikkei Shimbun (October 11, 2013), there is a method called live viewing, where pre-recorded live footage or broadcasted live images are screened in movie theaters far from the actual venue. This approach has recently been revitalizing the music industry.

One advantage of live viewing is that, similar to YouTube, it allows audiences to enjoy music in locations closer to them than before. However, in terms of video, the greatest benefit is the ability to watch footage captured and edited by skilled video technicians.

In traditional live performances, while there was a sense of realism in experiencing the music live, audiences were limited to watching from a fixed angle determined by their seats, or from a distance, which often made it difficult to see the details of the performers' expressions and playing techniques. This issue has now been resolved.

The fact that audiences can view the performance from the same perspective as experts means there are more opportunities to discover the best aspects of the performers.

■ Music and Performers Reunited, Bringing Audiences Closer

Music is an art form that is also visually appealing.

That said, I am not suggesting a mere return to the past, where we are required to only appreciate music at concerts or live performances.

What I want to emphasize here is that when we listen to music, we must not forget the presence of the performer who brings that music to life.

In the past, music and performers were one.

The artistry of music was also expressed through the physical presence of the performer. However, not everyone recognized this connection.

Some people, therefore, would listen to the same piece hundreds of times in an effort to grasp the emotions hidden within it.

Others, through playing the same piece themselves, sought to share their sensitivity with the performer, an artist in their own right.

Today, for those who still remember this unity, technology has the power to effortlessly bring a larger audience closer to the performer.

Audiences, deeply included in the original oneness of music and performers, create a trinity that binds them together.

Submitted in July 2017

References

• Chia-Jung Tsay (2013) "Sight over sound in the judgment of music performance," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. http://www.pnas.org/content/110/36/14580.full (Accessed July 25, 2017)

• Recording Industry Association of Japan (2017), "2016 Music Media User Survey Report - Published Version". http://www.riaj.or.jp/f/pdf/report/mediauser/softuser2016.pdf (Accessed July 1, 2017)

• Satoshi Kawase (2016), "The Appearance of Playing is Important," ON-KENSCOPE. http://www.yamaha-mf.or.jp/onkenscope/kawasesatoshi1_chapter4/#kome18

• Doremi Sheet Music Editorial Department, "Music Commentary" from 100 Selected Piano Masterpieces Grade B, Jiyu Gendaisha, p. 8.

• Nihon Kokugo Daijiten (Second Edition) Editorial Committee, Shogakukan Kokugo Dictionary Editorial Department (2001), Nihon Kokugo Daijiten (Second Edition), Volume 3, Shogakukan, p. 79.

• Yoshie Takamatsu (Ed.) (2004), World Literature Dictionary, Volume 2, Japan Library Center, p. 244.

• Nihon Keizai Shimbun (The Nikkei) "60,000 People in Movie Theaters for Live Music - Southern All Stars Revival," October 11, 2013, Nikkei Digital. http://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXBZO60910750Q3A011C1000000/ (Accessed July 27, 2017)

• Image by Pexels from Pixabay