Music Through Self-Experience - Thoughts of and about the composer PETER MICHAEL HAMEL

Journal/Book: Musiktherapeutische Umschau. 1983; 4: STUTTGART. G. Fischer Verlag. 173-183.

Abstract: PETER MICHAEL HAMEL is a German composer whose early experience of self-exploration and psychotherapy has found expression in his music. This article is concerned not with formal analysis but with the question of the origins and effects of composed music. Which forms of compositional expression are occasioned by which experiences, and how is the listener affected? Hamel attempts to find a musical language that conveys archetypal situations to the listener, confronting him with his own self. Hamel firmly rejects as manipulatory the programmed evocaiton of specific states of mind. The subject-matter to which he gives musical form includes coming to terms with grief and pain, and dealing with the darker sides of one's self. He intends that the listener should not merely consume his music but be inspired to face up to himself and develop his own creativity.

Keyword(s): Self-exploration, composed-music, musical-language.

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