What Makes Music 'Good'? Insights from Leonard B. Meyer

Leonard B. Meyer was an influential musicologist known for his exploration of how we experience music emotionally. Meyer’s work, Emotion and Meaning in Music, tackles complex questions about why certain compositions resonate deeply with listeners, while others fall flat. His theories provide a lens through which we can better understand how elements like musical tension, release, and expectation play crucial roles in shaping our emotional responses to music.

According to Meyer, the effectiveness of a musical piece hinges on the balance between surprise and predictability. Music that meets every expectation might be pleasant, but it often fails to leave a lasting impact. Conversely, music that defies expectations entirely risks feeling chaotic or unsatisfying. Meyer argues that the ideal lies somewhere in between: a composition that subtly challenges listeners, keeping them on their toes without overwhelming them, ultimately provides a more profound and memorable experience.

As a musician, these ideas resonate with me on a personal level, influencing how I approach improvisation. In fact, today’s reflection on Meyer’s theories left me feeling a bit "stuck," as if I had suddenly become more aware of the delicate balance I strive to achieve in my work. It’s a reminder that, sometimes, the tension between creativity and analysis can be as intricate as the music itself!

I hope you’ll find this exploration into music theory as thought-provoking as I did. Perhaps these insights will enrich your next listening session, or even inspire your own creative journey.

Here’s one of my older improvisations, which I believe captures a good balance between surprise and predictability: elements Meyer describes as essential for a satisfying musical experience. I won’t claim it’s ‘good music’ by any means, but the balance is there, and you might enjoy hearing how it unfolds.