The Symbolism of the Duet
In view of the last post on Gender relations and music, this post takes into consideration the significance of duets as a template for gauging the affinity between the male and the female principles. A duet is basically a musical rendition created for two performers or singers, under-girded by equality in relevance for both parties.
There are various hues of duets, namely: male + female duet; female + female duet; male + male duet; male or female + instrumental duet; male group + female group duet or vice versa, where the primary gender principle becomes a singular unit of representation. For instance, Earth Wind & Fire, a male group and The Emotions, a female group collaborate to perform “Boogie Wonderland”. Each group forms a singularity that would be the case with a solo singer.
Isaac Hayes & Barry White
Celine Dion & Luciano Pavarotti
Eternal & Bebe Winans
Considering the gender conflicts previously emphasized, the duet enables a musical unification and harmony that the collective can learn from. It projects co-operation, communication, understanding and support. It is complimentary, rather than oppositional, particularly in view of the multifarious voice types like Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Contralto, Tenor, Baritone, etc.
Each voice type is characteristically unique, all by itself. It is not compelled to mask or homogenize itself to be considered acceptable. It stands in its authenticity as a force of reckoning, while straddling, merging, harmonizing, dialoguing, listening, responding, caressing and acknowledging each other through the process of performance. In this musical matrimony, subjugation and lopsided asymmetrical patterns fade away.
When the male voice meets the female counterpart, there is a musical copulation that produces fascinating melodies and harmony. For once, one hopes that this musical reality can be transplanted into the real world. When the female voice interacts with another female, a bond of musical sisterhood crystallizes that nurtures, supports and encourages. For once, one hopes that this sisterliness can be the rule and not the exception, in everyday life. And when the male voice assembles with another male, there is an emergence of musical brotherhood, and a unification of power, strength and possibilities. For once, one has the sense of protection made palpable by the union of musical masculinity.
Ashford & Simpson
Babyface & Toni Braxton
And when the human voice forms a solidarity with a musical instrument, there is a convergence of humanity with the elements and cosmic essences of our universe. A grand orchestration that human words can hardly define. This is the moment when all ceases to exist, as one submits to the pulsating and ecstatic outcomes of sonic unification.
I love duets and this post showcases some of the best duets to grace the ears of music aficionados like myself. It contains my favourite from Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. “When You Believe” was a powerful statement at the time, as it served to neutralize the traction gained by gutter snipes about a supposed enmity between both women. This list also features a man who has gained musical recognition for duets. Peabo Bryson probably has more duet renditions in his music dialogue than most and he is without equivocation, a musical power house. It takes an innate musical mastery of intense proportions to attain that glorious height.
ENJOY!
Ashford & Simpson. "Solid" Solid (1984).
Babyface & Toni Braxton. "Roller Coaster" Love, Marriage & Divorce (2013).
Barry White & Isaac Hayes. "Dark & Lovely" Put Me In Your Mix (1991).
Bryan Adams & Barbra Streisand. " I Finally Found Someone" Soundtrack to the Film The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996).
Beyoncé & Marc Nelson. "After All Is Said And Done" Soundtrack to the Film The Best Man (1999).
Céline Dion & The BeeGees. "Immortality" Let’s Talk About Love (1997).
Chanté Moore & Keith Washington. "Candlelight & You" Precious (1992).
David Bowie & Tina Turner. "Tonight" Tonight (1984).
Diana Ross & Brandy. "Love Is All Matters" Soundtrack to the Film Double Platinum (1999).
Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers. "Islands In The Stream" Real Love (1985).
Donnie McClurkin & Yolanda Adams. "The Prayer" Again (2003).
Earth Wind & Fire/ Emotions. "Boogie Wonderland" I Am (1979).
El DeBarge & Faith Evans. "Lay With You" Second Chance (2010).
Eternal & Bebe Winans. "The Only One" Before The Rain (1997).
Freddie Jackson & Najee. "All I Ever Ask" Time For Love (1992).
Gerald LeVert & Eddie LeVert. "Already Missing You" Father And Son (1995).
Janelle Monae & Miguel. "Prime Time" Electric Lady (2013).
Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony. "No Me Ames" On The 6 (1999).
Kashif & Meli’sa Morgan. "Love Changes" Love Changes (1987).
Kenny G & Chaka Khan. "Beautiful" At Last….The Duets (2004).
Lauryn Hill & D’ Angelo. "Nothing Even Matters" The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998).
Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville. "Don't Know Much" Just One Look (1989).
Luther Vandross & Gregory Hines. "There's Nothing Better Than Love" Give Me The Reason (1986).
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" The Complete Duets (1967).
Michael Jackson & Stevie Wonder. "Just Good Friends" Bad (1989).
Patti Austin & James Ingram. "Baby Come To Me" Every Home Should Have One (1981).
Patti LaBelle & Michael Bolton. " We Are Not Makin' Love Anymore" Burnin’ (1991).
Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle. "A Whole New World" Soundtrack to the Film Aladdin (1992).
Philip Bailey & Phil Collins. "Easy Lover" Chinese Wall (1984).
Ricky Martins & Madonna. "Be Careful" Ricky Martins (1999).
Roberta Flack & Maxi Priest. " Set The Night To Music" Set The Night To Music (1991).
Shania Twain & Bryan White. "From This Moment On" Come On Over (1997).
Teddy Pendegrass & Lisa Fischer. "Glad To Be Alive" Truly Blessed (1990).
Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey. "When You Believe" My Love Is Your Love (1999).
Youssou N’dour & Neneh Cherry. "7 Seconds" The Guide- Wommat (1994).
DISCLAIMER:
The songs on this page are not mine. No copyright infringement is intended.
