Music theory
 
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Is music infinite or will there come a time when it has all been done?

By Mildbill Asked Nov 23 2007 11:09AM
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Top Answer out of 26

by CuppyCake is actually missing Ohio... on Dec 18, 2007 at 5:54 pm Permalink

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Heck no. Music, for one, has no definite "properties." Go outside and listen to nature...that's music...and it's different every time.
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Avatar Mustache Wonder Apr, 23 2008 at 08:21 AM
Not to be that jerk... BUT... Music is an artform, therefore in order to have art, it has to be manipulated with artistic intention. Nature may sound like music, but it is in fact just (lovely) sounds. Ispiration if you will...
BUT, I do agree with your answer in saying music (like any artform) will never exhaust its limits.
Avatar CuppyCake is actually missing Ohio... Apr, 24 2008 at 04:54 AM
I do agree partially, but I think it's really the opinion of the person has to whether or not something is music. Because, in fact, any music is just a series of sounds.
Avatar Mustache Wonder Apr, 24 2008 at 07:53 AM
Well, sure, the definition of music is a bit vague. Like, the phrase, "Music to my ears" implicates that just any sound can be music. But the manipulation of sounds (man-altered) for the reasons of an artistic output is what determines if its an artform or just natural. I guess my point is, sounds are natural and music is due to the insanity of the human brain we call perception.
Here's the thing though... I too think being in a swamp at night just taking in the 23987 frogs sounds is very deeply musical. I'm just stuck on logistics all the time. :)

Answer 2 out of 26

by Roger Kovaciny on Mar 10, 2008 at 1:41 pm Permalink

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We considered this question in college. The math says that the possible combinations of notes, timing, instrumentation, instrumentation, style and so forth are so close to infinite that for all practical purposes we'll never run out of new songs.
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Avatar supermegarockstar Mar, 01 2009 at 09:46 AM
When you work with infinite's such as notes and timing the music will be no longer heard or the patients to hear it will dwindle. For instance...notes are only frequencies. Go below or above a certain frequency and the note can't even be heard. So now we have one finite. Timing is also infinite but who wants to hear a song that is at 1/5bpm? Then there is the ability to play the tempo. 8ths notes at 350bpm would be quite challenging. The finite limits of tempo are more elusive than frequencies, but its there. As for running out of new songs...I agree. It won't happen. 1 4 5 has been done to death...but people are still writing new songs with that progression. 2 5 1 has been done to death by truly genius musicians...and they still create new music. now im rambling....

Answer 3 out of 26

by Kokomojeezus on Nov 23, 2007 at 11:12 am Permalink

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music can never "be done."

even if you run out of notes and melodies, you can always change them, put them to different timing, change the key of it, etc.
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Answer 4 out of 26

by Buddy on Jan 27, 2008 at 10:01 pm Permalink

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I think there will always be a new style and uniqueness in music. It may be influenced by earlier music types, but it will never repeat. At least I hope not.
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Answer 5 out of 26

by finenavyday on Dec 3, 2008 at 11:00 am Permalink

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it may have all been done, but i dont think anyone could live long enough to hear it. if you feel like you have heard it all, buy some windchimes... those things never stop inventing new music.
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Answer 6 out of 26

by oLd SkooL FooL is Smoking A Fat Joint on Jan 27, 2008 at 10:05 pm Permalink

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As long as there is emotion, there will be music
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Avatar Alloysius Feb, 11 2008 at 06:49 AM
Equilibrium will be the end of music ;)

Answer 7 out of 26

by FaerieWhings on Jan 27, 2008 at 10:05 pm Permalink

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That is subjective, as you can see from the answers. You can argue that music will always find a way to replenish itself, be new. But if you think about it, even with 1/4 tones, there are only so many different chordal progressions that can be made before repeating yourself. It's about how you make it sound that makes it original or not.
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Answer 8 out of 26

by Marguerite on Feb 25, 2009 at 1:43 pm Permalink

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I don't know that the right term for music would be infinite. Nothing is infinite, not even the universe. But as long as there are people still alive, there will be a form of music even if it is described as beating two sticks together in rhythm.
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Answer 9 out of 26

by Anonymous on Jan 25, 2009 at 9:42 am Permalink

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Music is infinite. That's like saying 'is there a time when all the books have been written?'.
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Answer 10 out of 26

by Uberced on Oct 28, 2008 at 1:41 am Permalink

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NO! Anything can be chopped and screwed. ;)
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