Bob Draper writes:
>The search for an intelligence gene has been fraught with problems.
>Although one researcher claims to have found one he had to correct (cook?)
>his data after at first no result was detected. Even the modified data
>showed only a small correlation between intelligence (as measured by tests)
>and genes as displayed by identical twins separated at birth.
Having done some research into intelligence for my AI work, I have come
to the conclusion that its memory (facts acquired through concentration).
People with good or great memories will be able to bring more facts to a
situation than other people. They may solve a problem easier or quicker,
think of more options (creativity), appear well read and knowledgeable, and
thus appear more intelligent. Question is "is there a memory gene that
runs in families." Did the great composers have a reputation of having a
great memory? (Assuming my theory is correct.). It does not matter how
fast your brain works, it needs data (knowledge) to work on.
Now it is known that the primary purpose of the brain is survival of the
organism housing it. When we are threatened, either physically or general
welfare or our ego is threatened, our left hemisphere kicks in and starts
analyzing the threat and our best reaction to it. Some people stay in
their left brain constantly with life's day to day problems. Some students
do poorly at school because of worries and problems. This effects our
memory process and concentration. Try to memories a three verse poem with
a rattlesnake in the room with you. Try to concentrate on and memorize a
piece of music when there is a rumor that there will be a big layoff and
you will probably be one of those layed off.
For people who are threatened constantly (preoccupied) with job insecurity,
bills to pay, traffic to drive in, an unreasonable boss or mate, etc.
probably don't remember things too well. This accounts for why composers
need a calm peaceful environment to create in or at least while they were
accumulating knowledge about music as a student - a nurture issue. I
once read that research showed that honest people have better memories
than dishonest people (who would constantly worry about being found out).
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown - there are plots everywhere. Were
most great composers honest? Since some great composers suffered financial
problems, they must have the ability to shuck it all (some would call this
irresponsibility) and concentrate on composing. That is why many artists,
writers, composers, etc. often seem irresponsible in their daily lives -
they have simply learned how to shuck it all and work.
So a question would be "How many great composers were financially well off,
had peaceful family lives to the extent that they did not feel threatened,
would be able to remember, in the sense, for example, of keeping the entire
composition in mind, and concentrate?" Another nurture issue. (Brahms
never married so that accounts for him:-) That was a bit sarcastic but it
made me think of this, can we make a list of the great composers who were
married and those who were not. Brahms, Beethoven and Chopin come quickly
to mind. Marriage does have a way of putting you in your left brain
increasing as it does your responsibilities unless you are otherwise well
off. Chopin was thought to be irresponsible in the sense that he was
always late to things, if he showed up at all, causing one of his female
friends in the Paris aristocracy to say "The only thing dependable about
Chopin is his little cough". He, of course, had TB.
People can always be in their right brain as well. Children for example.
They have no responsibilities and are very creative, and, have good
memories. Right brain people are thought to be irresponsible, dreamers,
carefree, and creative. Left brain people are thought to be calculating
and analytical.
The only way to answer the question "Are great composers born or made" is
to know something about their lives and life situations (nurture) as well
as their family backgrounds (nature). I would hope that many of the list
would know that, at least about their favorite composer.
Bill Pirkle
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