The Vision of Musical Time

It is interesting that musical time contains the word “time” at all.  Time, as accepted by the West, can be broken down into definite intervals such as hours, minutes, seconds, etc. whereas musical time cannot.  Musical time creates its own continuum.  A series of whole notes, held for four counts each, or a bass chord which dwindles through several bars provides suspense and a lingering feeling within the heart while the quick note progression of a rock-n’-roll solo encapsulates the listener, wild with anticipation.  Musical time is how music can create a picture, design, or even a movie within the listener’s head.  Largo, lento, or adagio, very slow music, creates a methodical, peaceful scene which becomes action-packed and chaotic as it turns into allegro and furthermore allegretto, very fast music.  Then, all of a sudden, an unexpected rest which is ill-timed and beautiful like losing your breath at the sight of something marvelous.  The timing of music its its own unique, original beast that can never be assigned a certain value, sorted into a given category, or defined by any absolute scale which is why it is cherished and immortal.