Der diskrete Charme der Irritation
In today's cultural circles a particular importance is attached to irritation and provocation. When discussing the question of what can actually be achieved by art nowadays, a large part of those who feel themselves responsible for shaping opinion hold the view that only irritation and provocation can arouse the thought processes of the consumer. In the author's opinion, these methods work only conditionally, at least in instrumental music. Provocation through purely musical means is probably no longer possible, and irritation as well does not necessarily guarantee the thought stimulus expected by the composer, arranger or soloist. According to the author, irritation really works in a piece of music only when it is satisfactorily strengthened by musical means in the ongoing development. With the help of musical examples from the work of Bill Holman and Bob Brookmeyer the author attempts to demonstrate his point of view. In closing, with the help of an arrangement of Blue Bossa, he shows how an entirely neutral musical idea gradually begins, within the course of development, to display its inherent "irritation potential".