FERRARA – PHENOMENOLOGY AS A TOOL FOR ANALYSIS

FERRARA – PHENOMENOLOGY AS A TOOL FOR ANALYSIS

In this chapter, Dr. Ferrara discusses how to use phenomenology to analyze music. Many people try to find the objective knowledge when trying to analyze music. This strenuous analysis basically overshadows the actual music, thus making it subordinate. However, phenomenological analysts believe in a different way of analyzing music. They argue that what one hears is affected by how one hears it. They also believe in the concept of Dasein, which was discussed earlier in the book by Dr. Ferrara. By putting together all of these methods, Dr. Ferrara claims that this can “bring a practical and transferable application of phenomenological method” for the analysis of music. Not all pieces can be analyzed using the typical methods of analysis. Dr. Ferrara takes a glance at the famous Poeme Electronique. The piece can’t be analyzed with typical techniques because it is atonal and extremely unique. Dr. Ferrara argues, however, that a phenomenological view of this piece can give a solid analysis. During his multiple listenings, he categorizes sounds and attempts to break down the piece into it’s simplest elements. All in all, the phenomenological style of analysis focuses on multiple forms of anaylsis and thought, and therefore is a great way of analyzing a piece.

REACTION
I really liked this chapter. Dr. Ferrara gave us an alternative way of analyzing a piece of music. In fact, this method seems to be more thorough and well-rounded. It ended up giving a deep analysis of a very obscure and unique piece like Poeme Electronique. Typical methods of analysis wouldn’t be nearly as effective. The next time I want to analyze a piece, I am going to give this method a try.