To me, language is the expression of communication through which knowledge, beliefs, ideas, and emotions may be explained and shared. This sharing is based on a system of signs, sounds, or gestures that convey understood meanings among a group of people. Although music has some characteristics of language, I would not refer to it as a language in and of itself. Music, like written or spoken language, may evoke emotion within a human being. However, beyond its ability to stimulate an emotional response, I feel that music fails to communicate ideas in the way that only true language can. Emotion is an integral part of communication between people, but we cannot seek to understand one another through emotion alone. For example, when we use spoken language, we use words to express ideas and beliefs, which are supplemented by emotions that are often suggested by our tone of voice. I feel that it would be difficult to find a way in which music would be able to communicate concrete ideas or beliefs in the same effective way.
In response to the question of which is more important in art—the original thought behind a work or its interpretation—I believe that both are essential for understanding. The basis set by the original artist and the emotional interpretation provided by a presenter work together to deliver an idea to the audience effectively. However, although both are significant, the interpretation has the greatest influence on the ideas and emotions that are communicated to us through art. For example, in theatre actors provide us with emotionally charged performances that set the basis for what we will understand of what the playwright has written. However, that is not to say that the original thought behind art does not matter. If a composer creates a piece through which he intends to evoke feelings of sadness in an audience, then the emotion will come through, even interpreted through a musician. Therefore, I believe that the true artist is the original creator. While the interpretation is important in understanding the meaning and emotion behind a work of art, I think it is more significant to understand the purpose of the original artist in creating a certain piece. The original thought behind art is what drives a presenter to interpret it in a certain way.
Nice Post. The Original artist intent however, is rarely of consequence but for the art historian. Since music is translated into the emotions of others, their collective experience is what will be communicated.