ETHOS AND PATHOS OF ART MUSIC COMPOSITION AND PERFORMANCE TOWARDS CONTEMPORARY NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The power of art music composition and performance is embedded, portrayed and demonstrated through the ethos and pathos of a particular society. Moreover, it is through practical, oral and demonstrational practices and performances of art music generally and art music specifically that the norms, ethics, customs, values and traditions of a people are inculcated in the lives of individuals as gateway towards contemporary national development. Therefore, the contemporary Nigerian society needs art music as the custodian of indigenous government gazette to achieving greatness and sustainable transfer of good governance and its continuity. Thus, the need for its ethos and pathos as regards composition and performance. However, with the modern trend in the rush for medicine, law, science and information technology, art music is not given the proper and specific attention in the homes, schools, colleges, universities, as well as the community events at large. This paper therefore, examined the power of art music composition and performance in molding the character of its people in this present day Nigeria which in it inculcates the ethos and pathos of desirable behaviour to achieve a better society. As a matter of fact, traditional music becomes art music when it is written down using European method of documentation as well. Thus, art music composition and performance should be seen as a serious weapon and instrument to affect people’s character in developing the present day Nigeria and help future generation grow economically, mentally, intellectually, culturally, socially, academically, morally, historically and religiously. The study applies library, internet (assets) and interview as methods of data collection. The findings prove that art music composition and performance if included in our educational (traditional and western) system, will bring beneficial and positive effect towards the contemporary Nigeria’s growth and development. The study therefore, recommends that art music composition and performance be given appropriate attention in the homes, schools, colleges, universities and the society at large. As the ethos and pathos of art music composition and performance cover every aspect of human growth, development and achievement, it will boost national development in the present day Nigeria and beyond. Moreover, it will be very useful in molding and disciplining the character of the children and youths as well as correcting faults of the adults in the society so as to achieve the general wealth of the nation for future continuity. Thus, inculcating positive and smooth generational transfer of qualitative and quantitative knowledge in the society.