Discussion Written Submission: Description Of A Fiction

Discussion Written Submission Three Description Of A Fictional People

Discussion-Written Submission Three: description of a fictional people’s musical society (500 words for 10%). Create your own original musical culture, replete with instruments, concepts and contexts of music making. Consider coming up with your own musical terms to reflect a society with a unique set of performance techniques, and/or beliefs which could include rituals, or even the mythological (7%). Consider class lectures as an example for inspiring your own material (3%). Your creation may reflect your own ideals and concerns for current times as well.

Paper For Above instruction

In crafting a fictional society’s musical culture, it is essential to develop a vibrant and cohesive world that integrates instruments, concepts, performance techniques, and societal beliefs. This imaginary society, which I will call the "Luminari," is rooted in the spiritual and naturalistic traditions that shape their musical expressions. Their music serves not only as entertainment but also as a vital component of their rituals, mythologies, and social cohesion, reflecting their worldview and values.

The Luminari's music is characterized by unique instruments, each imbued with cultural significance. One of their primary instruments is the "Aelora," a wind instrument made from hollowed bamboo and crystalline stones, producing melodious tones that are believed to carry the spirits of the sky. Another is the "Tessari," a stringed instrument crafted from the fibers of luminous fungi, which emits a soft bioluminescent glow synchronized with its vibrations. Percussion is enhanced by the "Zhyr," a set of drums constructed from hollowed stone and river reeds, used in communal rites to invoke harmony and purify the space.

Musical performance in the Luminari involves specialized techniques and terminology. They practice "Ventaras," a form of wind blowing that controls the pitch and power of the Aelora, considered sacred and performed during sacred rites. Their percussion technique is called "Kavras," which involves rhythmic stamping combined with Zhyr drumming to reach a trance state. String players perform "Lumina," a technique of plucking and bowing that produces layered, shimmering sounds symbolizing the interconnectedness of life and nature.

The society’s concepts of music extend into their mythological beliefs. The Luminari believe that musical notes are the language of their ancestors' spirits, which must be meticulously preserved and transmitted. Their mythology tells of "The Choir of the Starborn," celestial beings who created the universe through harmonic resonances, sowing the seeds of life and chaos. Rituals called "Echoing Convergence" involve singing "Seryn," a sacred chant expressing gratitude and invoking divine blessings. During these rituals, participants perform "Soulbinding," a ritualistic singing session where individuals merge their voices into a collective harmony, symbolizing societal unity and spiritual communication.

In addition, their musical ideals emphasize ecological harmony and personal introspection. The concept of "Niritha" is a contemplative technique involving silent listening and internal reflection through musical silence and subtle vibrations, fostering mindfulness. The society believes that music is a bridge to understanding oneself and the universe, fostering peace and balance—values that resonate especially with contemporary environmental and social concerns.

Developing such a musical society reflects a broader reflection on the importance of cultural identity, spiritual connection, and ecological consciousness. The Luminari’s integration of myth, ritual, and innovative instruments underscores how music can serve as a powerful medium for societal values and personal spirituality, echoing modern themes of sustainability, communal harmony, and spiritual well-being.

References

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• Taruskin, R. (2005). The Oxford History of Western Music. Oxford University Press.
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