03

[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, the Phantom of the Opera used it as a manipulative device. Sure, he's fictional but I think the same concepts could happen if someone is talented enough.

Music can be used in so many ways..it can inspire, make you relate to something and even incite a riot. I wouldn't call it magic per say but it's damn close to it in some ways.

[ink blots all over the place due to excitement]

I..can't believe I've never thought of trying to use music as an enhancement to spells.
...holy shit Roderich..I think this could be something amazing. I think this is something that should be studied further. I mean, we use words for spells and wand-less magic is harder but it exists. I don't see why you couldn't use music!

[lefilschanceux]

The US has used music as torture before, I believe. Probably still does, really. So yes, I'd say music can be used negatively.

I'm not sure I'd call music itself a form of magic, but I don't think it's that far off to say it can have the same effects... There's certainly no lack of myths tied to music that can only be called magic.

[3potionproblem]

Music is only as strong as the person is weak. If they allow themselves to be inspired or manipulated by song, then they are searching for something to move them. But as there are several magical spells which also require a certain leniency in the target, it's as good a 'magic' as any, I suppose.

[pastapasta_i_love_pasta]

I think music is magic! You know how when you listen to a song you really, really like and it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside? That's a special kind of magic that no spell can ever do! I like listening and singing my favourite songs, it makes me feel so much better than any potion that the Healers give me and it helps to take the pain away too.

[greenteengenius]

An interesting hypothesis, but how would we test it?

[pomodoroo]

How much fucking time do you have on your hands to think of this shit...?

[innocent_insanity]

motherfucker, first thing this here brother learnt that music can be used to do all sorts of shit to people. faeries from around the village used to teach me that shit. sometimes they up and get their teaching on for the muggle folk too.

shit's powerful as fuck if you know how to use it.