Audiences Understand the Emotional Language of Instruments

This paper discusses the results from an online survey which investigated emotional responses to orchestration and instrumental aesthetics in contemporary music theatre. The author describes music theatre as “a form disassociated from opera which occupied the space between the music performance and theatrical performance.” Participants watched excerpts from two experimental music theatre pieces: Sweet Tooth by Elaine Mitchener and Brethren by James Whittle.

The results of the study suggest that audiences are aware of the effect instrumentation and orchestration has on a performance. In the excerpt from Sweet Tooth, which explores themes of slavery and the history of the sugar cane trade, a majority of the participants concurred that the orchestration helped paint a picture of tension and danger. They were also able to describe their own feelings from their viewing of the excerpt.

The study finds that there may be a relationship between understanding emotional language and the aesthetic understanding of the listener. There is also evidence to support the hypothesis that there is a connection between lack of aesthetic appreciation (the admiration of beauty in art) and negative emotional response.

Audiences generally have a good perception of instrumentation in music theatre. However, the connection between appreciation of a piece of music and having a deeper understanding of musical concepts is categorical. In addition to improving work in all subjects of study, studying music can build aesthetic imagination and curiosity.