Aristotle on the Nature of the Greek Polis Essay

Aristotle on the Nature of the Greek Polis - Essay Example The title of the issue shows that this section of the book talks about classical world and phenomenon of polis in ancient Greek history1. This chapter helps us understand the importance of Greek polis, which lasts for only two centuries. Further, it is noticeable from this chapter that Greek poleis were politically established and philosophical implications had a long term effect on Greek cities and practices of the societal members2. Characterization of the cities reflects their nature such as political and philosophical influence on the cities showed their aristocratic nature. It is evident from the aristocratic touch that has been observed from the cities` festival, cultural practices, temples and energetic blood relationships. 3Further this section of the book highlights that family bonds were categorized in various categories depending upon their educational statuses and power distribution among the citizens. It helps us learn that ethically these sub-divisions are made correctl y because with respect to norms and cultural values of the societies, categorization should base upon the constitutional actions of the citizens within the community. The author of the chapter clearly stated, "The importance of polis is not cultural, but institutional. This statement shows that the Greek cities were not famous or important because of the people`s cultural rituals and practices, but mainly because of its organizational value. It means the manner in which the Poleis of the Greek were designed and established to maintain good standard of living4.Additionally; it is more because poleis of the Greek were more in political control rather than tribal influence. This source assist us insight the socio-political matters of the Greek cities and their fundamentals of sub-divisions in the societies. This source further informs about the influence of Hesiod, Plato and Aristotle and the way their role influenced both rich and poor people of the society. Additionally, it has notic ed that impact of Aristotle and Plato had modified the diplomatic matter of the regions such as Sparta and Athens. Mostly importantly this source helps us understand the reason behind downfall of Greek polis. The author has quoted "the pathos of the polis was the pathos of a dynamic participation of the people in a culture and originated in the aristocratic society. Further it has explained that because of aristocratic attributes citizens of the polis were unable to get chance of becoming true members of the state. This section of the book clearly reflect nature and characteristics of the Greek culture in which local institutions had a major role and they formed to keep poleis away from the big territories and unity of the societal members was not secured. Further, promises that were made to bring positive changes in the Greek societies and to improve standard of living of the people are clearly mentioned to help us understand the efforts made by the Greek people to maintain socio-c ultural practices of their communities5. However, despite such efforts there was no unity among the citizens and maintenance of the Greek Poleis was in danger and at last it came to an end6.This source has provided detailed information about Aristotle`s role and downfall the Greek cities. Undoubtedly, this source has explored historical

The career of Mozart Wolfgang Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The career of Mozart Wolfgang - Research Paper Example In order to understand the value of orchestration for Mozart’s works it should be necessary to refer primarily to the characteristics of orchestration, as a technique used while performing music pieces with different requirements in terms of their performance environment. In its most common form, orchestration can be described as ‘the division of a musical composition among the instruments of an orchestra for artistic effects’. These effects are not standardized. For certain composers, such as Mozart, emphasis would be given on the sense of unity of the music piece. Other effects, such as the unexpected change on a music piece’s tone, could be also achieved using orchestration. The first concerns for the potential value of orchestration in regard to the performance of music works have appeared in the 18th century (Keefe 2003). During that period, the need for a technique for increasing the tone effects of music works was made clear. Instrumental effects could be used for securing a ‘grand tone, like a Pindaric one’, but up to a point.... e contribution of Mozart in the promotion of orchestration is made clear through the following fact: orchestration, as part of performing music works, was known by the late 18th century (Keefe 93). However, in the past, before Mozart, orchestration was related only to ‘wind instruments’ (Zaslaw 439). Mozart introduced orchestration as a technique for increasing the tone effects of a music piece by engaging all instruments of the orchestra, a practice that has been unknown by then (Zaslaw 439). Indeed, it was just in Paris Symphony of Mozart that the potentials of orchestration were full revealed. During the performance of the above work all instruments of the orchestra were employed for achieving unique, up to then, orchestral effects, such as the sense of ‘unity and of coloristic nuance’ (Zaslaw 439) in regard to all parts of a music piece. At this point, the following issue should be explored: which are the factors that influenced Mozart in choosing orches tration as a key technique for presenting his works to the public? In addition, it should be made clear at what level orchestration has been part of Mozart’s works. Finally, the key tools used by Mozart for promoting orchestration should be presented. Different factors tend to influence composers and performers when having to choose instruments that will be used in performing music works. For example, when composers were asked to develop music works for ‘a powerful person who loved to play a particular music instrument and wished to combine it with others’ (Honigsheim 98), the music work ordered needed to meet the following criterion: it should be based solely on ‘the combination of this instrument with others’ (Honigsheim 98). Mozart has responded to such requests developing music pieces based