Recorded Music Research Articles

Music – Recording – Aura: Marginal Notes on the Debate between Adorno and Benjamin and on Adorno's Fragmentary Theory of the Gramophone Record

AbstractThere is hardly another Frankfurt School treatise on art theory today which is as much discussed and quoted as Walter Benjamin's notable “artwork”-study. This text has become a mandatory reading; however, it has been largely overlooked by musicologists. Benjamin developed his theory in connection with the visual arts: it is only the image that carries the aura, traveling through time and space and is saturated with historical substance. Benjamin remained seemingly uncertain about the place and role of the sound (and the music) in the historical process of losing the aura. Among the three surviving versions of his study, the first one posited a direct cause-and-effect relationship between the reproduction of sound and the paradigm shift that affects art as a whole, while in the third version, this connection is vanishing. It is generally known how challenging Benjamin's study was to Adorno's ideas on art theory. Adorno tried to deny the positive value of the change that Benjamin described. He raised doubts about the constitutive role of “reception in the distraction” in his famous “Fetish-Character” study. The “distracted perception,” the “atomistic hearing” dissociates the unity of the work. Adorno wanted later to preserve the validity of the “auratic work” and its derivatives that he called “critical works” (for example, in the famous footnote 40 of the “Philosophy of New Music,” or in the 1950s, when he faced efforts aimed at the radical erasure of the musical context, and for example, he classified Křenek's works written in the 1920s as productive forms of loss of aura). According to these, it is difficult to place the technical work of art on Adorno's aesthetic value horizon. This makes his writings on gramophone recordings or the relationship between music and mediality so interesting. Focusing on the discussion of Benjamin and Adorno, this presentation tries to find an answer to the following questions: how can the paradigm shift in art history (and art ontology) described by Benjamin be interpreted in relation to music? And what does this imply about the relationship between the “artwork of music” and the sound recording?

Measuring temperament in developmental research: A thin-slice approach to capturing temperament in infants and toddlers.

Temperament is a key factor in early development and predicts several key developmental outcomes. The ability to capture temperament in a variety of settings and ages is thus increasingly useful. Recent work has demonstrated the utility, reliability, and validity of thin-slice assessments in which brief snapshots of children's behavior are used to make inferences about general traits (Tackett et al., 2016). Thin-slice has been effective for assessing personality in older children (over 7-years; Tackett et al., 2016, 2017) and preschoolers 3-6 years old (Whalen et al., 2021) when engaging in lab tasks or clinical assessments. However, no work has examined the use of thin-slice for temperament in younger, typically developing infants/toddlers during lab-based tasks. The present study aims to test a downward extension of a modified thin-slice approach to assess temperament using archived videos of 516 infants/toddlers (nfemale = 255; Mage = 27.51 months, Rangeage = 17-47 months). Children were originally recruited from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds across the central United States and completed a short play session, which incorporated standard language and cognition tasks that were not designed to elicit temperament; caregivers also reported their children's temperament using the Early Child Behavior Questionnaire (Putnam & Rothbart, 2006). Naive raters scored the videos using a modification of the thin-slice approach. We find evidence of good reliability and validity for temperament scores using this approach suggesting thin-slice assessments are another method for measuring temperament in infants and toddlers. Moreover, thin-slice allows for post assessment of temperament even when it had not been formally assessed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Influence of Self-Media Film Reviews on Willingness to Pay for Movies: A Theory of Planned Behavior Approach

The Chinese film industry is showing signs of recovery in the post-epidemic era, but with the explosion of short videos and short dramas, the film market has been squeezed rapidly. Exploring the factors that affect consumers’ willingness to pay for movie watching has an important impact on the recovery of the film industry. Among the many factors that affect consumers’ willingness to pay for movie watching, exposure to self-media film reviews has become increasingly important. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study uses a questionnaire survey to conduct a statistical analysis, intending to explore how exposure to self-media film reviews affects consumers’ willingness to pay for movie watching. The study found that the influence of self-media film reviews on users’ movie choices is multifaceted. Users’ perceptions of value and emotional experiences with paid movie viewing significantly affect their attitudes toward accepting movie reviews and recommendations. These findings provide theoretical support for film marketing and audience decision-making.

Children’s Expressed Emotions During Playful Learning Games

Studies on software tutoring systems for complex learning have shown that confusion has a beneficial relationship with the learning experience and student engagement (Arguel et al., 2017). Causing confusion can prevent boredom while signs of confusion can serve as a signal of genuine learning and as a predecessor for frustration. There is little to no research on the role of confusion in early childhood education and playful learning, as these studies primarily focus on high school and university students during complex learning tasks. Despite that, the field acknowledges that confusion may be caused by inconsistency between information and a student’s internal model referred to as cognitive disequilibrium known from the theory of cognitive development, which was originally theorized based on observational studies on young children (D’Mello and Graesser, 2012). Therefore, there is reason to expect that the virtues of confusion also apply to young children engaging in learning activities, such as playful learning. To investigate the role of confusion in playful learning, we conducted an observational study, in which the behavior and expressed emotions of young children were collected by familiar pedagogues, using a web app, while they engaged with playful learning games designed for kindergartens. The expressed emotions were analyzed using a likelihood metric to determine the likely transitions between emotions (D’Mello and Graesser, 2012). The preliminary results showed that during short play sessions, children express confusion, frustration, and boredom. Furthermore, the observed emotional transitions were matched with previously established models of affect dynamics during complex learning. We argue that games with a learning objective can benefit by purposely confusing the player and how the player’s confusion may be managed to improve the learning experience.

The Development of Short Plays in China

Short plays have rapidly risen in popularity due to their novel format and flexible business models, yet they face challenges such as content homogeneity, vulgar material, and profitability issues. This paper analyzes the current development, challenges, and solutions for short plays in China. It proposes measures including content innovation, copyright protection, technology enhancement, policy support, and business model innovation to promote sustainable development in the short play industry. In the future, with the widespread adoption of mobile internet and technological advancements, short plays are expected to expand their market share, improve production quality, and enhance viewing experiences, becoming a vital component of the entertainment industry.

Health literacy development using a short drama programme for dengue fever control in Thailand

Background: Dengue is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. It is especially prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. To address the challenges posed by dengue in countries such as Thailand, effective prevention and control to strengthen health literacy at the community level is needed. One way of achieving this goal is to work with village health volunteers (VHVs). This article documents the use of VHVs for dengue fever prevention in Mueang district, Khon Kaen province, northeast Thailand. Method: A quasi-experimental study was conducted. The experimental group comprised 45 people who received a programme that aimed to enhance health literacy through the provision of knowledge and social support by community-based volunteers accompanied by a short drama programme. A group of 45 people receiving health services without the drama programme comprised the comparison group. The duration of the activity was 12 weeks. Data were collected by means of a pre- and post-test survey and were analysed using descriptive statistics and a comparison of mean health literacy and practice scores before and after the intervention. Results: Following programme delivery, the experimental group had a mean health literacy score which was significantly higher than that of the comparison group, while the mean practice score of the experimental group was also higher than that of the comparison group. Conclusion: The results suggest that a health literacy programme which includes a short drama programme could be effective in bringing about desired changes with respect to dengue fever prevention. The programme provided in this study was effective and easy to understand. The model developed here could also be useful in other villages in epidemic areas.

A Study of the Collection Development and Usage of Vinyl Albums at Huntingdon College from 1970 to the Present

A Study of the Collection Development and Usage of Vinyl Albums at Huntingdon College from 1970 to the Present

Short Video Platform Advertising Marketing Ideas and Logic--Taking KANS as an Example

With the rapid rise of mobile Internet, short video platforms have captured massive user attention. In 2023, short video users exceeded 750 million, shifting advertising revenue from traditional to new media. Short video marketing, with its rich content and immersive experiences, has become crucial for brand promotion. Young users' creativity is pivotal, and short video ads blend seamlessly with content to enhance brand recognition. However, challenges still exist. Content homogenization, low user participation may impact brand loyalty. Ad effectiveness should be evaluated properly. This paper examines KANS's short video marketing, highlighting strategies like "short drama + advertising," and addressing issues through creative planning and interactive engagement. KANS's success, aided by precise audience targeting and innovative tactics, demonstrates the potential of short video advertising. However, continuous improvement in content uniqueness, user engagement, and data-driven evaluation is necessary for sustained effectiveness. The study provides suggestions for brands to optimize their short video marketing strategies, ensuring alignment with user needs and market dynamics.

Analysis on Yanggeum Melodies of Yeongsanhoesang 'Taeryeong' in the Phonograph Records

Analysis on Yanggeum Melodies of Yeongsanhoesang 'Taeryeong' in the Phonograph Records

Research on Consumption Characteristics and Marketing Strategy of Micro-short Drama from the Perspective of Self-Determination Theory

Purpose - With the integration of science, technology, and culture, micro-dramas have emerged as a new driving force in advancing China’s short video industry. The purpose of this study is to deeply understand and analyze the characteristics of consumer consumption behavior to provide a theoretical perspective for the marketing strategy of microdrama. Design/Methodology/Approach - Based on the internal motivation of consumers and the characteristics of the micro-drama industry, a comprehensive analysis framework is constructed based on the three core dimensions of “autonomy, ability and belonging” in the self-determination theory (SDT). Through literature review, case analysis, and other methods, the consumption characteristics of micro-dramas are systematically examined. Subsequently, targeted marketing strategies are proposed accordingly. Findings - The study shows that consumers show diversified motives and demands in the consumption of short dramas, among which the pursuit of autonomy, the sense of ability and the construction of belonging become the key factors affecting consumers’ decision-making. Based on these findings, this study further refines the consumption characteristics of microdramas and reveals the intrinsic link between them and marketing strategies. Research Implications - This study enriches the theoretical research in the field of drama marketing. Through indepth understanding of the consumption characteristics of consumers, enterprises can more accurately locate the target market and formulate more effective marketing strategies, so as to promote the sustainable and healthy development of the drama industry.

Constructing Memories of the Northeast and Calling Forth the Spirit of the Times: A Symptomatic Reading of "The Long Season"

As an interpretive methodology, Althusser's concept of "symptomatic reading" provides an epistemological approach for deciphering the elusive meanings behind cinematic works. Building upon this framework, this paper examines the popular short drama "The Long Season," a hit in mainland China in 2023. The study aims to decode the "silent discourse" that the director intends to convey behind the overt narrative presented in the story. "The Long Season" achieves a re-articulation of "new Northeastern memory" and evokes the contemporary consciousness of "truth, goodness, and beauty" through its genre-blending of suspense and comedy, innovative storytelling from a paternal perspective, and the tragic displacement within its plot structure.

Audiophile cultures: contexts, performances and listening protocols

ABSTRACT This paper seeks to delimit communicational questions for the study of the phenomenon of audiophilia. The research on audiophilia raises topics such as the influence and experience of audio technologies, the circulation of different types of sound media, the feedback between production and consumption, the practices that connect human and nonhuman in the reconfiguration of artistic production, etc. We aim to present three axes of analysis of audiofilia as a problem of communication. Firstly, audiophilia as a concept, its historical, functional and ideological determinations. Secondly, the musical production practices that problematise the links between art and technique in the scope of studios and phonographic recordings. Finally, the impact audiophilia has on listening techniques and on the very forms of translation and configuration of audiophile listening as communicational processes.

Sustainability in technical theatre pedagogy and practice

In March 2023, third-year Technical Theatre (Production and Design) students at the University of Salford produced a festival of environmentally engaged design-led performance pieces focused on the climate crisis. All four productions were based on plays from Lighting the Way: An Anthology of Short Plays about the Climate Crisis (Bilodeau and Peterson 2020) and were devised and developed by the students, who were encouraged to be as sustainable as possible in both their designs and their execution. The festival was part of the first stage of our collaborative online international learning (COIL) project with Humber College in Toronto, which continued into 2024. In devising the projects, students were encouraged to consider concepts of affectivity, relationality and materiality in relation to expanded scenography (McKinney and Palmer 2017), the practice of scenography as a political act (Elnile 2020), and the ethics of ecoscenography (Beer n.d.). Using principles from the ABTT Green Book for sustainable productions (2021), all materials and equipment used in the final performances were either drawn from in-house stock or borrowed, repurposed or upcycled, encouraging further conversations around accessibility and our collective carbon footprint.

Value Communication Model of Social Networking Services: Research on the Depth Value Communication Patterns of Short Video Cultural Hotspots

Based on social networking services (SNS) platforms, the value communication of short videos rapidly expands its dissemination scale with low participation costs. The recipients of value, acting as both receivers and transmitters, generate and propagate the depth value of short videos through the interactive process. This paper takes the phenomenon-level short drama Escape from the British Museum on domestic short video platforms as the research object. Grounded in the Four Segments Three Relationships model, which articulates the development laws of online public opinion, this study establishes a value communication model for short videos on social networking service platforms. It explores the depth value communication patterns of short video cultural hotspots, and consequently, proposes the SNS Value Communication Model for short video dissemination. This model, with stages of value presentation, value judgment, value interaction, and value dissemination as its core, provides feasible paths for the deepening of positive value communication and the guidance of negative value in short video cultural hotspots.

The Effect of Active Review Strategy on Student’s Attitude to Basic Science in Oyo State

Students' oral language skills are very important in the digital era, and technology and communication have developed rapidly by presenting spoken language content that is popular with students. Multiliteracy learning refers to the multicontext aspect, which means learning uses various contexts or broad topics. In the multimedia aspect, multiliteracy learning uses various media. This research uses a case study design with the aim of exploring the oral language skills of elementary school students in the digital era to support multiliteracy learning. The data in the research was collected through several collection techniques in the form of questionnaires, observations and interviews. The data of this study were analysed using a qualitative approach with thematic analysis techniques. The research results show that students' oral language skills in this digital era are still limited to non-formal speaking skills. Talking content comes from shows that are watched, namely short dramas, advice, food review videos, other entertainment content. The type of text used in oral language learning is only printed text, which in their daily lives students often watch content on social media such as WhatsApp, Tiktok, snackvideo and YouTube. Students prefer short, interesting videos, with a few activities that involve thinking skills. Listening and speaking activities through these sources can be included in learning according to a multiliteracy context so that it is more meaningful for students.

Oral Language Skills of Elementary School Students to Support Multiliteracy Learning in the Digital Era

Students' oral language skills are very important in the digital era, and technology and communication have developed rapidly by presenting spoken language content that is popular with students. Multiliteracy learning refers to the multicontext aspect, which means learning uses various contexts or broad topics. In the multimedia aspect, multiliteracy learning uses various media. This research uses a case study design with the aim of exploring the oral language skills of elementary school students in the digital era to support multiliteracy learning. The data in the research was collected through several collection techniques in the form of questionnaires, observations and interviews. The data of this study were analysed using a qualitative approach with thematic analysis techniques. The research results show that students' oral language skills in this digital era are still limited to non-formal speaking skills. Talking content comes from shows that are watched, namely short dramas, advice, food review videos, other entertainment content. The type of text used in oral language learning is only printed text, which in their daily lives students often watch content on social media such as WhatsApp, Tiktok, snackvideo and YouTube. Students prefer short, interesting videos, with a few activities that involve thinking skills. Listening and speaking activities through these sources can be included in learning according to a multiliteracy context so that it is more meaningful for students.

Who counts? Anti-antisemitism and the racial politics of emotion

This article focuses on the rise of anti-antisemitic discourse in Britain over the past fifteen years. It explores the relationship between the increasingly emotional tone of public discourse in Britain and other western countries and the miring of anti-antisemitism in dynamics of competitive victimhood and ethnic antagonism. The development of this dynamic is traced from the bitter arguments over the representation and reporting of the Palestine/Israel conflict at the time of the Israeli ground assault in the Gaza Strip in early 2009 – with special attention to Caryl Churchill’s short play Seven Jewish Children – through to recent anti-antisemitic interventions such as David Baddiel’s bestselling polemic Jews Don’t Count (2021) and Jonathan Freedland’s verbatim play recently staged at London’s Royal Court Theatre (2022). These interventions, the article shows, call for the ‘normal’ treatment of anti-Jewish prejudice while simultaneously appealing on exceptionalist grounds for public sympathy with Jewish perceptions of antisemitism. The exceptional moral authority widely accorded to anti-antisemitism has made the cause an attractive one for those who resent what they believe to be the unwarranted priority accorded to non-white victimhood. Various forms of anti-antisemitism, such as Baddiel’s, have thus become front-line arguments in shrill culture-war tussles suffused with intellectual confusion and racially tinged rhetorical combat. This racialization, politicization and emotionalization of anti-antisemitism has reached new heights, the article concludes, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023.

The Benefits of Playing Action-Like Video Games on Salience Processing

Play is essential for sensorimotor, cognitive and social development, because it enhances the experience-based long-term plasticity, stimulating the optimal interplay between the stimulus-driven and goal-directed attentional control. However, the emotional, psychophysiological and neurocognitive mechanisms associated with a single game session are not fully understood. In a single-blind randomized-crossover experiment, we investigated the short-term effects upon emotional, psychophysiological and neurocognitive functioning after a short play session with Mario Kart and with a puzzle board game, in a sample of 60 young adult typical (n = 44) and poor readers (n = 16). By enhancing positive and reducing negative emotions, playing an action-like video game increased heart rate and salience processing in both typical and poor readers, whereas an improvement in reading speed was reported only in poor readers. The stimulation of the salience network by play-driven emotional, multisensory and sensorimotor activation, can transiently enhance the feed-forward functioning of the perception and action pathways.

Miniature Time: A Study on the Narrative and Communication Effects of Online Mini Dramas from the Perspective of Empathy

In the wave of digital media, art forms such as online short dramas have emerged, quickly gaining market demand and audience love. Based on the theory of empathetic communication, this paper conducts a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the content narrative, media strategies, audiovisual communication, and communication effects of four representative online mini dramas. It is found that online mini dramas have taken shape in forming deep emotional links with audiences, but there are still many problems. Finally, this paper proposes solutions from multiple aspects such as government departments, creative entities, audiovisual platforms, and industries, to provide useful references for developing online mini dramas to expand artistic boundaries and social influence in empathetic communication.

1930년대~1940년대 초 판소리≪적벽가≫ 고찰

The first half of the 20th century marked a period of change in the Pansori performance environment. Pansori performances, which had been reduced during the Japanese colonial era, became active again as the general public had more opportunities to experience them through mass media. During this period, the release of phonographic recordings of “Jeokbyeokga” rapidly increased. “Jeokbyeokga” was mainly recorded by older, junior, and female singers. This study compares the phonographic recordings of older and junior singers of “Jeokbyeokga” from the 1930s to the early 1940s. “Jeokbyeokga” singers during the 1930s can be divided into older and junior singers depending on the generation. The narrative distribution and the musical characteristics of the “Jeokbyeokga” differed between the older and junior singers. Therefore, among the narratives of “Jeokbyeokga,” older singers mainly recorded the passage before the Red Wall Battle and the passage of Ujo. Meanwhile, junior singers, who learned from the older singers, mainly recorded the passage of “Hwayongdo Runaway” after the Red Wall War in the narrative and Gyemyeonjo. Older singers who recorded “Jeokbyeokga” on the voiced album was an old-style singer. The differences between older and junior singers' parts in their phonographic recordings of “Jeokbyeokga” can also reflect whether they experienced and learned the Pansori music culture of the traditional society, which considers “Jeokbyeokga” as a measure of determining the master's song and values the passage of Ujo.