Susan Juhl wrote:

> Re: PBS "Music Instinct: Science and Song"   June 24 2009
>
> A very short presentation in the show involved the premise that
> language
> influences music.
>
> Debussy's music reflects the French language.
>
> Elgar's music reflects the English language.
>
> Is this a subject to investigate?

Yes.  The music of Berlioz also reflects the French language and the
music of Janacek is said to reflect the Czech language.  Not sure about
Elgar.  It is a matter of rhythmic cadence and a more free flow and is
strikingly in contrast to the German musical tradition which tends to
have more regular beats at shorter intervals, I think.

Jim Tobin

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