397 - Nicholas Reeves - What Is Music?

In this conversation, I sit down with composer and church musician Nicholas Reeves to explore one of the great mysteries: music. Why does music move us so deeply? How does it reflect symbolic patterns in reality? We discuss the ancient and modern roles of music—from sacred liturgies to EDM dance floors—and ask whether the liturgy might be the ultimate artwork. We also dive into the contrasts between order and chaos in sound, the compression of human experience, and the sacred role of communal participation in worship. This discussion really opened new paths for me—I hope it does the same for you.<br />Nicholas’s work can be found at: https://www.nicholasreevesmusic.com<br />YouTube version: https://youtu.be/26ORdueGcIo<br /><br />NEW COURSE: Scripture: The Key to Reality, presented by Seraphim Hamilton<br />This course is designed to help students appreciate the unique role the Bible plays in helping us step into the world as it truly is: a symbolic revelation of the Infinite God. Scripture is symbolic because it is a revelation of Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ is the Archetype of the World. In a way, then, Scripture enfolds within itself the totality of the world, guiding its hearers to see an icon of Christ in each of God’s creatures: from trees to beasts to priests.<br />🗓 Live classes are on Tuesday at 2 - 4 pm Eastern Time, starting June 10th through July 15th, 2025<br />⏰ Class Length: 5 sessions, 10 hours total<br />💰 Register for Seraphim Hamilton's course before the end of May to get 15% off when you use the code EARLYSCRIP1 at checkout. <br />💰 Cost: 120 USD (102 USD with the discount)<br />👉 Register Today: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/scripture-the-key-to-reality <br /><br />Timestamps:<br />00:00 - Coming up<br />01:29 - Intro music<br />01:55 - Introduction<br />02:50 - Understanding ourselves through music<br />10:22 - The human voice<br />18:56 - Rhythm<br />21:11 - Dance and what music is<br />24:40 - Variety and sameness<br />32:08 - Reinventing yourself<br />35:21 - Church music<br />43:57 - Continuity<br />46:56 - Moments in liturgy<br />49:30 - Music in America<br />54:54 - The complete work of art<br />59:14 - Making pop culture more participative<br /><br />💻 Website and blog: http://www.thesymbolicworld.com<br />🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau <br />🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe <br />Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ <br />My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/<br />