On your mark, get set, blog!

How often do we actually go through the physical steps that we verbally reference when we say, "On your mark, get set, Go!" This phrase is a perfect example of rhetorical figure. No, not a rhetorical question. Do you really think I would ask you a rhetorical question? (Get it?) In every language, there are phrases, groups of words that we utter, often subconsciously. What do say when you answer the phone or greet someone? "Hi, how are you?" or "How's it going?" When we talk or write, our sentences are primarily constructed of many rhetorical figures or phrases strung together.

Music is the same way: it is, oftentimes just a string of rhetorical figures that have existed long before they are penned in a particular instance. There is a small number of these figures, many of them have names or particular meanings, but it's the combination and the atmosphere that creates originality. I know you're impatiently thinking, "alright, where's the example?" Here you go: Mozart used a lot of appoggiaturas in his music. He certainly did not invent these - they are merely rhetorically figures! It just so happens that this is one with meaning. (You lucked out!). These little gestures are termed sospirato, or sighs. See it?

Raise your hand if you are completely bored by now. Raise your other hand if you disagree that On you mark, get set, Go! is a rhetorical figure. Raise your foot if you think that Mozart simply enjoyed the utilization of these graceful motives and you think I'm reading too much into it by calling it a "sigh." Now do the Hokey Pokey and turn yourself around. This is my blog and I'll call it like I see it. Just kidding, you are free to disagree with me.

My reasoning in titling this post "On your mark, get set, blog!" is twofold: First, it is my first non-introduction entry. Second, it is the start to a new and busy week in the office here at Second Baptist. I cleaned and organized my desktop on Friday and after only one day of work, it is once again piled upon. I guess that's what happens when one listens to Scriabin (spell check wants me to say Scribbling) while working. Tomorrow, I'll listen to Bach.

Be well, do good work. and keep in touch. (author of quote?)