Listening Performance and the Rhetoric of Allusion: AMS Studies in Music

Allusion is a figure of speech that refers to another work of art, literature, or music. It can be used to create a sense of nostalgia, evoke a sense of place, or make a political statement. In music, allusion can be used by performers to create meaning and communicate with their audiences.

Brahms Among Friends: Listening, Performance, and the Rhetoric of Allusion (AMS Studies in Music)

by Paul Berry

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6204 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	400 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

One of the most common ways that allusion is used in music is to create a sense of nostalgia. For example, the Beatles' song "Yesterday" alludes to the 1930s song "Yesterday's" by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Parker. This allusion creates a sense of nostalgia for the past and evokes a sense of longing for a simpler time.

Allusion can also be used to evoke a sense of place. For example, the song "Hotel California" by the Eagles alludes to the Hotel California in Los Angeles. This allusion creates a sense of place and evokes a sense of mystery and intrigue.

Finally, allusion can be used to make a political statement. For example, the song "Imagine" by John Lennon alludes to the communist manifesto by Karl Marx. This allusion makes a political statement about the need for a more just and equitable world.

The use of allusion in music is a powerful tool that can be used by performers to create meaning and communicate with their audiences. By understanding the rhetoric of allusion, listeners can gain a deeper appreciation of the music they hear.

Examples of Allusion in Music

There are countless examples of allusion in music. Here are a few of the most well-known:

• "Yesterday" by the Beatles alludes to "Yesterday's" by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Parker.
• "Hotel California" by the Eagles alludes to the Hotel California in Los Angeles.
• "Imagine" by John Lennon alludes to the communist manifesto by Karl Marx.
• "Strawberry Fields Forever" by the Beatles alludes to Strawberry Fields in New York City.
• "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen alludes to a variety of operas, including "La bohème" by Giacomo Puccini.

These are just a few examples of the many ways that allusion can be used in music. By understanding the rhetoric of allusion, listeners can gain a deeper appreciation of the music they hear.

Allusion is a powerful tool that can be used by performers to create meaning and communicate with their audiences. By understanding the rhetoric of allusion, listeners can gain a deeper appreciation of the music they hear.

Brahms Among Friends: Listening, Performance, and the Rhetoric of Allusion (AMS Studies in Music)

by Paul Berry

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6204 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	400 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE