Emotional Theme
Identity
The sense of self and belonging, shaped by culture, history, and community.
Role in Music
Identity provides the foundational context for all other emotions in music. It tells us who we are, where we come from, and to whom we belong. Music both reflects and constructs identity.
Musical Expression
Embodied in language, instruments, rhythms, performance practices, and themes. Identity sits above pain in the emotional hierarchy because it gives suffering context and meaning.