Background:

Idiom: a form of expression unique to a given language, mode of interaction, or physical circumstance.

Linguistic Idiom: vernacular expression or saying that cannot normally be translated directly from one language to another.

Idiomaticism: The view that the channels through which we communicate leave an indelible imprint on the messages conveyed. Marshall McLuhan famously claimed that "The medium is the message." Most idiomaticists disagree with McLuhan. But they agree that the medium shapes the message.

Analytic Approach:

An idiomaticist might approach the analysis of a musical work as follows:

1. Identify the pertinent medium or media involved in a musical work. That is, identify the physical, mechanical, economic, physiological or other structures through which a musical work is created and conveyed. For example, a clarinet duet performed in a parlor can be analyzed by examining:
   • the physical structure of the clarinet, including its manufacture and sale
   • the physical, social and economic structure of the parlor
   • the biomechanical, social and other structures of the performer.
   (MEDIA)
   
   
2. Identify the natural dispositions or characteristics of each pertinent medium. (DISPOSITIONS)
   
   
3. Identify how the medium shapes the message. (INFLUENCE)
   
   
4. Identify how the medium facilitates the pursuit of certain values, and how it impedes the pursuit of other values. (IMPLIED VALUES)
   
   
5. In light of the implied values of the medium, identify who would like this medium? Who would dislike this medium? (PREFERENCES)

• Music 839B Index
• OSU School of Music Home Page
• OSU Music Cognition Home Page