Från spinnvisor till P3-musik

En historisk diskussion av arbetsmusikens funktioner

Abstract

At the Department of Musicology, Gothenburg University, Sweden, we are currently carrying out a project aimed at describing the use of background music at work and at leisure. One of the objectives of our study is to create a theoretical framework for discussions of cultural policy concerning the increasing use of music at work places. This article makes a comparison between the functions of pre-industrial work music and mass media distributed music at work in modern industrial society. From a basis of empirical interview material we aim to combine analysis with descriptions of the experiences of the working interviewees. From a reading of Bücher, Klusen, Ling, Maróthy, Levine and Suppan we can describe four main functions of pre-industrial work music: First of all, two of these functions are directly connected to the nature of work: (i) Music is used to facilitate and coordinate motoric action, and is thus based on physical movement. (2) Music is used to send signals in work. In other words it communicates signs and symbols. Secondly, there are two functions which are not as closely connected to work as the functions above: (3) Music is used as entertainment and to give aesthetic pleasure. Music has a psychological function and makes working easier, but it also distracts thoughts from the work at hand. (4) Music tells us about the nature of different types of labor. In other words, certain music is used by certain groups or social classes at work. In our project we have made a study of modern Swedish work music. (In this context it is important to point out that “canned music” by Muzak, Rediffusion or Functional Music, etc. has been completely rejected by the workers and labour organizations. Music of this type is considered to be uncommunicative.) The following statements sum up different observations we have made and also give us an idea of the historical changes which have taken place:
1. Divison of labor, according to Taylor in particular, whose ideas are still practiced today, has divided both labor and musical culture. For the exploited workers this has led to a great need for embellishment and entertainment at work and at leisure (de la Motte-Haber).
2. Division of ownership has created a need for manipulation the workers during the contracted hours of work. In this respect, music is used as a means of creating a pleasant and effective working environment in accordance with different schools of management. For the workers this corresponds to a need to think about their leisure time while at work. Music at work thus becomes the long arm of leisure.
3. The rhythm of mechanical and computerized work no longer corresponds to the rhythm of physical labor. Consequently, the natural connection labor-music has been robbed of its rhythmical dimension. At the same time acoustic signals at work, which could otherwise be musically embellished, have disappeared. This means that two important cornerstones of work music have been lost.
4. However, the intensive noise level of the working environment has created needs for revising the sounds the individual hears at work. For instance, a cult has formed around the Heavy Metal sound, and soft background music has been created to soothe sore ears.
5. New mediums of distribution have transformed the communication chain: The act of creating music has been taken away from the individual worker and has been given to professional studios. In addition, music can be listened to in all environments and this bridges the geographical gap between the work place and the place of leisuretime activities.
6. The comprehensive proportions of industrial labor today are to certain extent dependent on advances made in the field of entertainment. In this field afro-american music (with roots in European and African work songs) has played a significant role. This music is played both at work and at leisure, it makes life both easier and recreational for the individual, it also expresses acoustic, social and psychological dimensions of work. Accordingly, afro-american popular music is an integrated part of the working
culture. At the same time easy listening music has been further developed in a number of different ways, and has taken on aesthetic, escapist, recreational and communicative functions.