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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

[3potionproblem]

I think perhaps you have given me a very bad idea for which I will likely thank you for at a later date.

[edle_gestalt]

[ink blots...]

And credit me as well, I hope?

I trust this isn't a malicious idea.

[3potionproblem]

Certainly, if you like.

No, not malicious. Not in my hands anyway.

[edle_gestalt]

Would getting a slight hint to these intentions be out of the question?

I'd like to clarify that I would not want my name attached to it if something goes wrong, mind you.

[Filtered]

[3potionproblem]

I play the violin. I plan to make a space in the bow for my wand and to try and compose something that will cast a spell musically.

Not for ill. But once a technique is created, how it is used by others can hardly be my fault. Or yours by extension. And I really can't say for certain what a set of notes will produce as a means of casting a spell. If anything at all.

[filtered]

[edle_gestalt]

...That is an excellent idea, probably much more accessible than wandless magic at this point. I also play, and if you don't mind I may try the same.

I'd already considered chanting spells with melodies based around various modal scales, rather than simply speaking them. My singing voice was more pleasant before it dropped, but I'm hoping I still have enough skill to get some results.

I'd also be curious how the wand in the bow would affect the timbre...

[filtered]

[3potionproblem]

It'll have to be rebalanced for the added weight. That in itself will take time. If it's a viable means of casting and if it can be built upon, perhaps there will be a market for bows with magic cores built-in.

Violin specifically or other stringed instrument? Mine's a Stradivarius.

Perhaps we should compare our results throughout the year.