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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

[marshall_lee]

Well, music is the central theme in a lot of stories and legends. Hell, there are even songs about songs like that. Ever hear that American Muggle song "The Devil Went Down to Georgia"? It's about an awesome fiddle player that beats the Devil in a fiddling contest. I'll try and find a copy on vinyl and I'll bring it in after break is over with.

I think we should. But we should try it on ourselves..I'll volunteer of course. We could also see if tone and inflection can enhance spells. I know spoken ones can be ineffective if the inflection is wrong but I wonder if they could be altered somehow?

[edle_gestalt]

Oh, that sounds familiar! I can't think of the melody off the top of my head so I'd love to hear it again.

...Or -- and this is getting ambitious -- could we find someone that creates spells, and ask them about it? Not sure how we'll find time, with schoolwork and all, but it would be very interesting to look into. But I'd definitely be willing to go back and forth with you trying out tonal inflection. Or if each of us playing our respective instruments leaves us more or less vulnerable to attack.

[marshall_lee]

I'm actually not sure I could play it and make it sound good..not on guitar anyways.

I wonder who we'd even talk to? I suppose we could ask all the professors and explain what we're trying to figure out and they might know someone? Researching something like this would look excellent on transcripts.
Oh, I didn't think about vulnerability. I think no matter what we decide we'll have to have a professor looking over us as we do this since it might be considered dangerous.
Either way I'm totally up for trying something like this out. We could discover a whole other branch of magic.

[edle_gestalt]

You know, you're right. It would look fantastic. I wonder if it has much to do with DADA? That might be the safest to look into, considering we might make ourselves emotionally vulnerable with music. We should talk to Professor Donoghue.

[marshall_lee]

Sounds perfect.
We should see if anyone else wants in on this as well. We could get a lot more varied kinds of results if we had more people participate.