Composers have many sources of inspiration, but few are as powerful as their homeland. The world around us inspires us, and the greatest artists have said that even the tiniest of details can spark a masterpiece.
Music is no different- even the music that composers find inspiring can influence their work. Whether it is other artists, cultures, or simply the music of the past, all sources of inspiration contribute to the creativity of new works.
The way we hear music seems to be changing, however. With technology allowing us access to a wide range of sounds and artists, and with global integration increasing our awareness of other cultures and styles, this source of inspiration is growing.
Perhaps none other than Kanye West has been openly inspired by his homeland- in his case, his own country (the United States) and what it stands for. This intent to draw creative inspiration from the composer’s own homeland is known as national anthemism.
Definition of homeland
The homeland of a composer refers to the country or region where they were born and raised, and/or have roots. Many composers draw inspiration from their homelands, whether that be other countries or regions within their country.
Some of the most popular genres to draw inspiration from are folk music, classical music, and jazz. Composers have been known to incorporate these genres into their own music, especially when starting out.
Others have even drawn inspiration from very specific locations within their homeland. For example, a composer from China may draw inspiration from the sounds of bamboo flutes or traditional Chinese instruments.
Yet others have been known to incorporate different dialects into their music as well. A singer from Germany may sing in Standard German but incorporate Bavarian dialect into their lyrics. This is done to connect with the audience and show pride in your homeland.
Examples of inspiration from the composer’s homeland
Some composers draw inspiration from the music and culture of their own homeland. For example, a Japanese composer may draw inspiration from traditional Japanese music and instruments, like the shamisen or shakuhachi.
Others may draw inspiration from the landscape of their country. A German composer may use sounds characteristic of German music, like brass or drums, and incorporate them into their music.
Some even draw inspiration from stories, people, or places in their homeland. A Korean composer may use Korean mythology or people as themes in their music.
However, it is important to remember that not all composers are native to the country they live in. Some foreign composers may receive little influence from the local music or culture due to this.
Composers who inspired by their homelands
Many composers were influenced by their homelands and other composers to create some of the greatest music ever. Some of your favorite composer’s inspiration came from their homeland and other composers.
For example, Johann Sebastian Bach (1732–1750) was inspired by the music of France, especially the style of harmony known as Franco-Italian concerto style. He also drew inspiration from the vocal compositions of Guillaume Boucher.
Richard Wagner (1813–1883) was inspired by German mythology when creating his operas. He also borrowed musical themes from French composer Hector Berlioz (1803–1869).
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) drew inspiration from Russian folklore and classical literature in his works.
These composers, and many others, showed creative intent to draw inspiration from their homeland and other artists, which made their music even more magnificent.
Understanding the composer’s background will help you understand their music better
Composers draw inspiration from all over the place, and not just from music. A composer’s background can come from their country of birth, where they grew up, where they live now, or anywhere in between.
Some composers are known for drawing inspiration from specific places, like New York for the rapper Jay-Z or South Africa for singer-songwriter Bono.
How does this apply to you? As a music producer, you should be aware of where your composer is from and any influences that may come up in their music.
For example, if you are producing music for a South Korean pop star, then some hints of Korean influences may be present in the song. This will add some depth to the music and help your audience identify where the artist is from.
Why were they inspired by their homeland?
Many musical artists are inspired by their home country, and this is no different for K-pop artists.
What did they write about?
Composers wrote music about everything: love, heartbreak, partying, politics, protest, revolution, and R-E-S-P-E-C-T. They wrote about nature and the world around them, adding ecological and environmental themes to their work.
Some even wrote music about other composers or their own previous works. Some even wrote music about themselves!
Many composers studied other musical styles from around the world to draw creative inspiration. Some even studied non-musical sounds or noises to incorporate into their work.
Were they successful?
The American film industry has been influenced by many foreign filmmakers, but few have had as big an impact as Iran’s master of cinema, Abbas Kiarostami.
His unusual methods have inspired some of the best contemporary American directors, from Quentin Tarantino to Paul Thomas Anderson. Even the Coen brothers have cited his work as an influence.
He was known for his deliberate intent to draw creative inspiration from the composer’s own homeland, a concept that may sound abstract but is actually quite simple.
Kiarostami would spend time in rural areas filming everyday life and then edit that footage into his films, giving them a more natural and authentic feel. He also filmed villagers with inexpensive cameras so that they looked less glamorous and Hollywood-like.
Conclusion
Inspiration is a fickle creature that lies within all of us. Whether you are a music composer, film maker, writer, or artist, you have the ability to draw inspiration from anything.
The key is to look for it outside of your normal circles and far beyond what is expected. Looking at the work of others and seeing what they add from their own culture can help with this.
Seeing what others add to their art can inspire you to add something of your own art. For example, seeing how someone dresses their characters in their writing or how someone paints the landscape in their artwork can spark something in yours.
Seeing things that are common in your homeland and adding them into your art can also make your work more authentic. Using these tips can help you draw inspiration from anywhere, even from the music of your homeland.
