Chechnya bans music outside the range of 80-116 beats per minute

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Scope and Reality of the Ban

  • Some commenters see the BPM rule as obviously absurd and likely unenforceable.
  • Others argue the story is misreported: they say it’s a “recommendation” for Chechen music from the culture ministry, not a universal ban.
  • Counterpoint: links to Russian news (via TASS) are cited where officials say “all musical, vocal and choreographic works must” meet 80–116 BPM, which sounds more like a rule than a suggestion.
  • Another view is that in Chechnya, the leader’s interpretation is effectively the “primary source” and that his word will define how it’s applied.
  • One commenter claims the outlet Meduza has low factual reliability and often exaggerates; others are unconvinced.

Internal Contradictions and Enforcement

  • Noted that both the Russian and Chechen anthems, and even the music used to announce the policy, are outside the specified BPM range.
  • Commenters highlight that some traditional Chechen folk music also falls outside the range, undercutting claims that this protects “traditional” culture.
  • Several people point out tempo can be redefined (e.g., 3/4 vs 6/8, half- or double-time), making the rule trivially gameable in theory.
  • However, others stress that “rules-lawyering” is meaningless under an authoritarian system—enforcement is arbitrary and political, not technical.

Musical and Technical Commentary

  • Musicians discuss how BPM, meter, and perceived tempo interact; e.g., how a piece at 160 BPM can be recast as 80 BPM depending on notation and “big beats.”
  • There is joking about simply speeding up anthems, changing record speeds, or redefining beats to comply.
  • Some lament that much classical and slow music (adagios) would be outlawed if taken literally.

Comparisons to Other Restrictions

  • Thread compares this to:
    • UK anti-rave laws targeting “repetitive beats” and open-air events.
    • US historical attempts to suppress jazz and rock, and later anti-rave/drug laws.
    • NYC’s former cabaret law banning dancing without a license.
    • Taliban-era restrictions on music, seen as even more extreme.

Broader Social/Political Reflections

  • Some frame the policy as an example of low “social development” and cultural intolerance.
  • Others emphasize that no legal system enforces laws consistently; such vague rules enable selective punishment of regime opponents.