This post will discuss the close relationship between Rhetoric (the art of persuasive verbal communication) and Music. Understanding these two disciplines can help music performers to improve their awareness in musical composition and performance practices that date back to medieval times (Boethius c.480-524 AD, Guido de Arezzo c. 991/992-1033, Ars Nova) and the Renaissance, while providing insight to expressive and persuasive parameters involved with musical interpretation. It is noteworthy to point out that musical works often mimicked the structural outline of classical orations. Also, it’s important to bear into account that instrumentalists were encouraged to imitate speech in performance.
Of course, the art of Rhetoric dates back to the time of Classical Greece. It is well known Plato’s ( c. 428–423 BC - 348/347 BC) theories on the ability of music to have an impact on our emotions and behavior. Aristotle’s (384–322 BC) concept of ethos (the characteristic spirit of a culture, era or community), pathos (the use of emotion to persuade an audience) and logos (a rhetorical device that uses logic, facts and evidence to persuade an audience appealing to their sense of rationality) have all had an influence on musical expression.
