Big Music

Big Music is a term used in various contexts within the music industry and music theory, often with differing and sometimes contradictory meanings. Understanding the term requires considering the specific context in which it is used.

1. Production and Scale:

In production and commercial contexts, "Big Music" often refers to music that is grand, ambitious, and large-scale in its production. This can mean:

• Large Ensemble: Music utilizing large orchestras, choirs, or a significant number of instrumentalists.
• Elaborate Arrangements: Intricate and complex arrangements that involve layering multiple instruments and vocal parts.
• High Production Values: Significant investment in studio time, mixing, mastering, and other production processes, resulting in a polished and expensive-sounding product.
• Commercial Success: Music intended for, or achieving, widespread commercial success and recognition. The "big" refers to the scale of its reach and impact.

2. U2's Album and Style:

The term gained specific prominence through the 1984 U2 album of the same name. In this context, "Big Music" describes:

• Epic Sound: A stadium-rock sound characterized by expansive guitar effects, soaring vocals, and driving rhythms.
• Themes of Grandeur: Lyrics and themes that address large-scale issues, personal struggles elevated to a universal level, or a sense of spiritual or political aspiration.
• Arena Rock: A style of rock music designed for large venues and audiences.

3. Critique and Derogatory Usage:

"Big Music" can also be used in a critical or derogatory way to describe music that is perceived as:

• Overblown and Bombastic: Music that is seen as excessively grandiose or lacking in subtlety.
• Commercially Driven: Music that is primarily concerned with commercial success and lacks artistic integrity.
• Formulaic and Predictable: Music that adheres to established formulas and clichés, lacking originality.

4. Generational Differences:

The perception of "Big Music" can vary across generations. What one generation considers epic and inspiring, another might view as outdated or pretentious. This subjective element is crucial to understanding the term's application.

In summary, "Big Music" is a multi-faceted term that can refer to the scale of production, a specific style exemplified by U2, or a critical assessment of music perceived as overblown or commercially driven. The meaning is heavily reliant on the context in which it's used and the individual's perspective.