The Flawed Notion of Musical Universality

World Today News Senior editor: Let’s start with the basics. Why is the concept of “music as a universal language” so prevalent, yet, as you suggest, potentially misleading?

Dr. Reed: The appeal is obvious. Music evokes emotions, shared experiences. We hear a piece of music, and we *feel* something, irrespective of were we are from. Though, this commonality frequently enough obscures the crucial role that culture plays. Musical meaning, interpretation, and, yes, even emotional response, are profoundly shaped by our individual and collective cultural contexts. “Universal” can mean something that’s everywhere, but more frequently enough than not throughout history, and in many places today, it means, that only those with the power to dictate universality through force have been listened to, and the music of the world has been left behind, or appropriated. Just as learning a new spoken language takes time and effort, understanding the grammar, history, and social importance hidden within a musical tradition, the *context*, demands a similar commitment.

The notion of music as a “universal language” frequently enough glosses over the deep cultural roots and historical contexts that shape its meaning. while a melody might stir emotions across different cultures, the specific feelings and interpretations can vary widely. As a notable example, a minor key might evoke sadness in western music, but in other cultures, it could signify something entirely different. This is where the idea of universality starts to break down.

World Today News senior Editor: Our article mentioned the historical association of European classical music with this claim of universality. Could you elaborate on why this is problematic?

Dr. Reed: Absolutely. The elevation of European classical music to the status of “universal” has historically served to marginalize musical traditions from other parts of the world. Think about it: when we label non-Western music as “primitive,” “simple,” or “inferior,” we’re implicitly judging it based on Western standards. This hierarchy reflects a broader history of colonialism. It’s about power, about who gets to define what is valuable and what is not. The notion that a piece by Mozart is universally appreciated, say in modern Beijing, without taking into account the vastly different cultural context, and power dynamics at play, demonstrates a lack of understanding of the true meaning of both Mozart’s contribution, and the listener’s engagement with the music.

The dominance of European classical music in the “universal” narrative is a direct result of historical power dynamics.During the colonial era, Western European nations exerted important cultural influence globally, leading to the promotion and imposition of their artistic standards. This resulted in the marginalization and devaluation of indigenous musical traditions in many parts of the world.In the United states, this legacy can be seen in the historical exclusion of African American musical forms like blues and jazz from mainstream recognition, despite their profound influence on American culture.

decolonizing Music: Challenging the Status Quo

World Today News Senior editor: The article also highlights how this perception can lead to cultural appropriation. How does this impact the Indigenous relationship with music in places like canada, where the article is set?

Dr. Reed: Cultural appropriation, in music, takes many forms. It involves the adoption of elements of a minority culture by the dominant culture, often without understanding or respecting the original cultural context. In Canada, for example, the appropriation of Indigenous musical traditions by non-Indigenous artists has a long and troubling history. This diminishes the value of the music from the original culture in the eyes of the dominant culture, while simultaneously enriching members of that culture through their appropriations. It can lead to a whitewashing of those traditions, taking the indigenous context out through assimilation and oppression, and minimizing the role of Indigenous musicians and composers, while ignoring the historical and ongoing injustices faced by these peoples.This erases cultural identity and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.

Cultural appropriation in music is a complex issue with significant ethical implications. It often involves the dominant culture profiting from the artistic expressions of marginalized communities without providing proper recognition or compensation. In the U.S., examples include the use of Native American imagery and musical styles in popular music without understanding or respecting their cultural importance. This can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to the erasure of indigenous cultures.

World Today News Senior Editor: Let’s turn our attention to Andrew Balfour and his album, *Nagamo*.What makes this project significant in the context of this discussion?

Dr.Reed: *Nagamo* is a powerful example of how artists are actively challenging this narrative. By reimagining classical music in Cree and Ojibway and by reframing familiar sounds and lyrics, Andrew Balfour directly confronts the notion of music’s “universality.” He reclaims this music, returning the meaning to those songs and creating something entirely new. He’s not just translating the words; he’s re-contextualizing the music within his own culture, his own history. This is a potent act of decolonization in itself – a way to address the colonial past and assert the importance of the indigenous voice in the music world.

*Nagamo* represents a powerful act of cultural reclamation. By reinterpreting classical music through an Indigenous lens, Balfour challenges the historical dominance of Western musical traditions and asserts the importance of Indigenous voices in the contemporary music scene. This project resonates deeply in the U.S.,where there is a growing movement to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Native American artists and musicians.

World Today News Senior Editor: What are some of the practical implications of this work? Can it further the cause of reconciliation?

Dr. Reed: Absolutely. *Nagamo* can be a vital tool for reconciliation.It fosters understanding, dialog, and respect. By giving a voice to the indigenous experience, it can help to dismantle stereotypes and confront historical injustices. It also creates opportunities for cultural exchange and collaboration, where Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists can share their traditions and knowledge. In this way, *Nagamo* is more than just a musical album, it’s a cultural bridge. It is indeed a declaration that music does not exist in a vacuum, and that music, like life, evolves through inclusion.

Projects like *Nagamo* have the potential to foster greater understanding and empathy between different cultures. By showcasing the richness and diversity of Indigenous musical traditions, thay can help to break down stereotypes and promote reconciliation. In the U.S., similar initiatives are underway to support Native American artists and musicians and to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into music education.

World Today News Senior Editor: what are some key takeaways for our readers?

Dr. Reed:

• Be Critical: question the assumption that music is universally understood without cultural context.
• Seek Education: Actively learn about different musical traditions and their histories.
• Support Indigenous Artists: Listen to and support Indigenous musicians and composers.
• Engage in dialogue: Discuss the complex relationship between music, culture, and power.

World Today News Senior Editor: Dr. reed,thank you for providing such profound insights. It’s clear that the conversation around music’s place in culture is critical, and that *Nagamo* offers a powerful example of how we move forward.

Dr. Reed: The pleasure was all mine. These are ongoing conversations that should be discussed, and I hope this helps in some small way.

World today News Senior Editor: for our readers, let us know your thoughts on this subject. Share this interview on social media, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!