This week in my Musicology session we have been discussing the various ontological aspects of a record. Alban Zac describes the following three factors:-
1) The song: Made up of factors such as melody, chords and basic form
2) Arrangement: Specific ways that a song has been arranged. This can range from aspects of style, texture, timbre, production techniques etc.
3) Track: This is a combination of the above.
The big idea is that points 1 and 2 have ontological independence – so we can analyze them differently.
I am interested in any observations anyone may have about this (not just my students) – so a couple of questions to get you started
a) Examples of how the compositional process has changed over the years when working with these factors. For example at one time the songwriter and artist were independent – as was the arranger and composer. How have these factors become merged – in particular with more affordable technology?
b) Where does The Song exist? Is is via the definitive recorded version of the Song (we all know what they are) – or does it exist virtually – making it the sum of its collective recordings and performances?
Interested in any comments.