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[edle_gestalt]

Greetings!

I have been pondering the topic of music. I know, I know - what else is new? But I was wondering if I could get some opinions.

How do people feel about the concept of music as a manipulative device?

I am aware that to some, it may not be effective. But others are quite sensitive to the effect of various tones, producing various results as well based on each individual's personal experience. But think about it - as practitioners of magic, we are constantly manipulating others, manipulating fate, and the physical appearance of those around us.

In terms of human emotion, is making music the closest a muggle can get to using magic?

I've taken conducting classes back home, at summer programs, and I have to say that holding the baton in my hand, taking that command over a large group of people to create exactly what I wanted, was not so different from holding a wand and casting a spell. There is a certain invigorating power that it inspires, having that control to realize exactly what is in your mind at the moment.

Is it dangerous? Can music, too, be used negatively? I wouldn't want to, mind! But it was a thought - obviously it doesn't have as direct an effect as a dark spell might, but if one were to manipulate another person, through music, for selfish reasons - is that dangerous? Think of the Minnesänger troubadours, think of the serenades used to woo women from high towers, think of the patriotic music used to stir loyalty in troops in times of war. In Ancient Greece, it was believed that a king was stirred to battle simply by hearing a tune played on a flute in the Phrygian mode.

Can music, or any sound, really, be used to enhance our own magic? Maybe even to help us defend ourselves? I would also appreciate opinions from those of you who normally aren't as interested in music. Even if just to ensure that I am not thinking too idealistically through the eyes of a musician myself. Objective reassurance would be nice, if you can give it sincerely.

Yours,
Roderich 

Comments

[lefilschanceux]

Could any instrument be used, though? Unless you don't have a specific target in mind, something like a piano wouldn't be very precise.

[edle_gestalt]

That's true - although acoustics of a room could be utilized, or a concert hall could be secretly designed to direct sound at a particular audience member. I can't see a situation where that would be practical, though.

Any instrument would probably have to be crafted for the magic to exit through a specific point. Even with something like a trumpet, where the bell can be pointed at a target, it's still sound, and it's still going to dissipate. Or, one would have to acquire the skill of mentally directing the spell after it's been cast.

[lefilschanceux]

Assuming that's even possible... I suppose there's a reason even in myths, the most precise an effect gets is age or gender.

[edle_gestalt]

Wandless magic does exist, though. So... perhaps, the instrument wouldn't be able to channel it. It would be simple wandless magic, but variations and enhancements on spells could be made with the music itself.

[lefilschanceux]

I suppose that'd be the easiest way to go about it.

Of course, we could say that there's nothing wrong with a field of magic that can only be used on several people and that's there no need to try and narrow down its effects on one person, but it's an interesting thought exercise nonetheless.