Bodily communication in musical performance

Abstract

This chapter deals with three central aspects of musical communication which focus on how the human body is used to produce a musical performance, namely how biomechanical constraints operate; how expressive intentions and social codes influence the production of a performance; and how that production is subsequently interpreted by co-performers and audiences. It uses three case studies to illustrate these issues: a classical pianist, a jazz singer and accompanist, and a pop band. The chapter demonstrates the need to adopt an integrated perspective to understand the role of bodily communication in musical performance.