Robert Peters wrote:

>Yes, a movie like Schindler's List has to be ugly, too, because it deals
>with an ugly subject.

Although the movie certainly deals with the ugly subject of how low
human thought and actions can go, there is also the uplifting element
of Schindler's conversion and the movie is also testimony to the spirit
and hopes of those who were prisoners in the concentration camps.

You probably already know what I'm getting at - CONTRAST.  In music,
contrast is one of the most important elements of music composition.
It is not only routine to find much contrast in a composition, but also
within movements of a composition.

When so-called "ugly" music is being presented, I think it's crucial that
there is a corresponding positive or upbeat emotion as well.  I'm not
talking about some rigid 50-50 split, but a variety of emotions which
enriches the work and the individuals performing and listening to it.

Don Satz
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