Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
at the College of Fine Arts, Dr. Hiwa Talat Arif, Head of the Music Department, discussed the importance and dimensions of silence in music. He emphasized that silence (rest) is not merely the absence of sound, but a fundamental element in rhythm, melody, and harmony, playing a central role in musical composition.
During the seminar, Dr. Hiwa explained the impact of silence on artistic performance, particularly when working with monotone or polyphonic compositions. Examples were demonstrated to show how the careful use of rests can enhance musical expression and structure.
Global examples, such as the work of John Cage, illustrated how silence can serve as a tool for listening to surrounding sounds and heightening perception. It was highlighted that silence results not only from the absence of sound but also from the intentional shaping of musical space, supporting the development of listening skills (“audition”) in students and musicians.
The seminar concluded by demonstrating how the understanding and use of silence guide musical interpretation and connect emotional perception with rhythm and harmony in performance.
