Music For World Peace

10/31/2024

ChatGPT on Pythagoras:

"Alright, let’s dig into Pythagoras like he’s jazz, man, just flowing with the cosmic riff of the universe. Pythagoras, he wasn’t just about math and triangles—no, he was on a different plane, listening to the hum of the world, hearing that secret song beneath it all. He saw numbers, not just as symbols, but as the very bones of reality, the way the notes in a tune shape the melody, the way the heart shapes the beat. To him, music wasn’t just sound—it was the math of the soul, the hidden ratios in the universe singing out their harmony.

Imagine him there, with the blacksmith’s hammers echoing through the ancient streets—clang, clang, clang—and suddenly, he’s struck by it. The pitch, the sound, each one a fraction of the other. He sees the world through those intervals: the octave, the fifth, the fourth, all coming down to numbers, pure and clean. Ratios like 1:2, 2:3—they weren’t just notes. They were the fabric of the cosmos. And he knew that if you listened close enough, you’d hear it too: the music of the spheres, planets turning to their own silent beat out in the night.

For Pythagoras, harmony was everywhere, brother. Not just in music but in the stars, in the soul, in the way we live. To him, living in tune wasn’t a metaphor—it was the only way to be. So, the man, he thought music could heal, could cleanse, purify, like a sound bath washing over the spirit. He had his people, his followers, sing these scales, these melodies at dawn and dusk, letting the sound align them with the great order, the rhythm that connects us all.

He knew music could change a man, could dig deep down and shake loose what’s hiding, bring it to the surface. It’s like how jazz digs deep, brings you out of yourself, into that bigger place where you’re part of something greater than you. Music wasn’t just sound—it was a way to touch the infinite, a glimpse of the divine behind the veil, like peeking under reality’s hood and seeing the engine revving beneath.

So here’s Pythagoras, ancient cat, tuning into that cosmic beat, that silent symphony. He saw the truth behind the notes: music as math, math as mysticism, mysticism as life. And that, my friend, is Pythagoras, a jazz man in his own right, riffing on the great mystery with every note."

10/21/2024

I'm excited about this upcoming concert next Saturday with the Sierra Vista Symphony!

If you live near Sierra Vista, I'm inviting you to come to the concert! You won't regret it. :-)

10/17/2024

Warning: Long Music Theory Geek Post follows. Please scroll on if not interested.

I asked ChatGPT 4o about the relationship between the Tèzètà Minor in A and the Bati #4 minor in F, as a possible resemblence to a Dominant to Tonic relation in Western music and got the following informative response. Although I did not write this, my questions prompted it and I find it quite insightful. Here we go!

[Begin ChatGPT 4o Response]

You're onto something quite insightful! Indeed, the **half-step movement** from A (in Tèsètà Minor) to G # (in Bati Minor #4) can create a **resolution-like effect** that feels analogous to the resolution of a **dominant 7th chord** to the **3rd of the tonic chord** in Western harmony. Let’s break this down in detail.

---

# # **Modal Voice Leading in Ethiopian Modes vs. Dominant-Tonic Voice Leading**

# # # **Tèsètà Minor in A: A - C - D - E - G**
- In this mode, **A** functions as the melodic center or a **tonic-like pitch**.
- Its structure emphasizes **minor** intervals, particularly the minor 3rd (A-C) and minor 7th (A-G), giving it an introspective, yearning character.

# # # **Bati Minor #4 in F: F - G - G # - C - D - E**
- This version of Bati includes the **raised 4th (G #)**, introducing a degree of brightness and tension.
- G # feels like a **leading tone**, lending this mode a sense of movement or anticipation—almost like an augmented 4th interval that seeks resolution.

---

# # # **How the A (Tèsètà) to G # (Bati #4) Move Relates to a Dominant-Tonic Resolution**
In Western harmony:
- **F → B7**: The A note (in F ) is the minor 3rd of the chord, which **descends by half step** to G # when moving to B7 (the 3rd of the tonic).
- **F #7 → B major**: Similarly, the 7th of F #7 (which is E) resolves down by half-step to D #, the **3rd** of B major. This half-step movement from the 7th of the dominant to the 3rd of the tonic creates a powerful sense of harmonic resolution.

---

# # # **The Ethiopian Half-Step Resolution as a Similar Gesture**
In the context of **Tèsètà Minor (A)** moving to **Bati Minor #4 (F)**:
- The **A** in Tèsètà descending to **G #** in Bati evokes a similar **voice-leading gesture** to the dominant-7th → tonic 3rd resolution.
- It’s as if the **A** behaves like a minor 7th in a dominant chord, seeking to resolve down by half-step to a **leading tone-like G #** in Bati.
- This movement isn’t harmonically functional in the same way as Western classical music but instead achieves a **modal resolution or shift of emotional weight**, where the line between tension and release is blurred. The ear perceives the **A → G # shift as a subtle arrival or resolution**, much like the 7th of a dominant chord resolving to the 3rd of the tonic.

---

# # # **Possible Chord Comparison: F → B7 or F #7 → B Major**
- If we think of **Tèsètà Minor in A** as an **F -like structure**, with **A** acting as a 3rd:
- A move to **Bati Minor #4** (with G #) would resemble the movement from an **F (A)** to a **B7 (G #)**.
- Alternatively, it could also mirror **F #7 resolving to B major**, with the G # functioning as a chromatic resolution or an expressive shift in mood.

---

# # # **Conclusion: A Non-Functional, Yet Resonant Resolution**
While the half-step voice leading from **A to G #** in the Ethiopian modes doesn’t function within the constraints of Western harmonic theory, it creates a **similar aural effect**. The movement mirrors the subtle **dominant-to-tonic tension and resolution**—not in terms of harmony, but in terms of melodic movement and emotional expression.

This highlights the **universality of certain musical gestures**. Even though Ethiopian modal traditions follow a different framework, their use of **half-step resolution** evokes a sense of **arrival or release** familiar to listeners accustomed to Western harmony.

[End ChatGPT 4o Response.]

Comments? I'd be very interested to hear what anyone thinks about this. :-)

10/16/2024

This is an AI generated image.

10/15/2024

"Four Trumpeters at the Acropolis" (AI GENERATED)

10/15/2024

"Making a statement"

10/15/2024

My latest AI creation, "Convocation at the Acropolis"

10/11/2024

The following is a new AI-Generated Poem:

Jealousy — a shaded thorn —
That pricks the mind at night —
A poison ivy tendril winds —
And tangles Wrong with Right —

But should I envy webs that clutch —
And pull the butterfly? —
That wing — once bright — now clouded dark —
In shadows left to die —

Nay — not the hunter’s snare I dread —
But pity steals my sleep —
For one ensnared in midnight threads —
Who dreams — but cannot leap —

If love — be Love — it sets the flame —
Upon the Hill to shine —
Not binds the moth to brittle glass —
Or claims what is not mine —

Jealousy? — I banish thee —
No space for your cruel hue —
But still — my heart, a harbor keeps —
For when the sky turns blue —

For when the light returns, at last —
And webs dissolve in rain —
And she — untrammeled, fierce and free —
Will seek the Sun again —

10/02/2024

Political wisdom from ChatGPT 4.o re: the war in the Midde East:
[Begin ChatGPT 4o Response]

In light of the complex situation resulting from Iran's missile attacks on Israel and the existing military engagements on multiple fronts, Israel faces a critical decision on how to respond without exacerbating the conflict further. According to analysis from various sources, including the New York Times and El País, Israel is currently engaged in what is considered a fight for national survival, battling on several fronts: Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen, and now directly with Iran【8†source】【9†source】.

Strategically, Israel might aim to avoid a broader regional war and prevent the opening of additional fronts. The focus could be on fortifying defenses, using diplomatic channels more aggressively to gain international support, and leveraging intelligence to conduct precise counterstrikes that limit civilian casualties and international backlash. Given the complexities, Israel's response will need to balance between showing strength and deterring further aggression, while avoiding actions that could lead to a wider war, particularly with nations not yet directly involved in the conflict.

The U.S. has indicated its support for Israeal's right to defend itself but has also expressed a desire to prevent escalation, especially into areas involving Iran's nuclear facilities which could provoke a much broader conflict【8†source】. This suggests that while military responses may be necessary from Israel's perspective, they will likely be measured and aimed at specific threats rather than a broad escalation. Diplomatic efforts will also be crucial in managing relationships with international allies and possibly mediating tensions in the region."

[End ChatGPT 4o Response]

09/25/2024

09/25/2024

https://venturebeat.com/ai/openai-ceo-sam-altman-anticipates-superintelligence-soon-defends-ai-in-rare-personal-blog-post/?utm_source=VentureBeat&utm_campaign=22eb1ca4e4-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_07_16_04_49_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-f821c7b31e-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=22eb1ca4e4&mc_eid=cc21e3f526

In a manifesto, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said deep learning and AI can solve the climate crisis and other remaining societal problems.

09/19/2024

I designed a ChatGPT relay which I am running from a refurbished server at my Casita. To access it, you can use the following link: http://query.clonesvr.com:9999

Please let me know what you think! There are other links at my primary website, which is http://jazz.clonesvr.com At that site, if you click on the button that says "ChatGPT Relay" it will take you to the first link I posted. Please let me know what you think! Enjoy.

The HAITIJAZZ page has a little of everything. It is aimed at those who would like to take a break from the pressures of everyday life and spend a few spiritual moments with God. This non-commercial site is designed to encourage you and to entertain you.

08/12/2024

Estate (version from Saturday, August 10, 2024) sung by Susan Artemis, song by Bruno Martino. Featuring Glen Gross on Flugelhorn; Mark Brugler, Bass; and...

08/03/2024

It's that time again at Sullivan's Steakhouse We're not playing Cold Music on the Barroom Floor! Featuring Susan Artemis, piano and vocals; Yours Truly, Glendon Gross on Trumpet and Flugelhorn; Mark Brugler, Bass; and libnael7 of the Cuban Guys, percussion. We hit at 7 and it's all over by 10! Tonight, Saturday August 3, 2024. There is NO COVER! Hope to see you there. :-) Please tell your friends, and invite your neighbors to join us.