Let's face it: music is pretty much universally enjoyed. Almost as universal is the temptation to put our appreciation of music into words. Music journalism and music criticism have been around as long as music itself. It's likely that from the first time someone pounded out a rhythm using a rock and stick, someone else tried to describe the sound or feeling that was produced.
So if talking and writing about music is an age-old tradition, why is it so difficult to do it well? The answer may have to do with the fact music is an art form. For one thing, music is subjective, that is, subject to an individual's own beliefs or feelings. Secondly, it is unusually abstract. The relationship between music and a person's emotional response is a mysterious one. Music consists of content that does not visually depict anything at all. However, it can still stir a person's emotions.
With this in mind, it's no surprise that many people fail to communicate well about music. Writers resort to comparisons, trying to describe one kind of music in terms of another kind. They also overuse adjectives or rely heavily on clichés. The writing process for music journalism and criticism can be downright frustrating. Thus, a comprehensive education is a necessary prerequisite. Learning about music history and theory is essential. Through education and practice, music writers can avoid the pitfalls of putting such an abstract art form into words.
Which paragraph best summarizes the passage?
A.
Music journalists and music critics fail to communicate the feel of music. To successfully translate the feel of music into words, music journalists and critics need to learn more about the history and theory of music.
B.
Music as an abstract art form and one's response to music depends on one's beliefs or feelings. The connection or response between music and a person's emotions is mysterious, and it may be different for different individuals.
C.
Music journalism stems from people's need to write about their love for music. Music journalists and critics listen to music and then compare one kind of music with another, and in this comparison the feel of music is lost.
D.
Listening to music is an enjoyable activity but, writing about the feel of music can be frustrating. People who wish to communicate or describe music well should know how to play music in order to express it in words.
A.
Music journalists and music critics fail to communicate the feel of music. To successfully translate the feel of music into words, music journalists and critics need to learn more about the history and theory of music.