The Role of Art in Music

Art is one of the most talked about subjects. Of course, it is the most integral part of music. But to understand art in music one must first understand art.

What is art exactly? Many have attempted to define it. However, it is not limited to one embracive definition. To a lot of people, any sort of craft is considered art, perhaps because the word itself derives from an older one that meant "arm" or "to make". But it is much more sophisticated than just that. Others associate art with beauty that is pleasant in appearance or sound. But again, there's more to it.

When it comes to fine art (i.e., performing, visual), it is more transcendental in origin and effect. Although fine art is offered in higher educational institutions, the truth of the matter is that it is inherent in the individual to begin with. And universities even require one to audition or to have a portfolio in order to be admitted. The point here is that it is not just mechanics or technique; it is the artist's expression that creates an effect upon the viewer or listener.

Art is a human creation that attempts to create an emotional impact. It does not have to be "pleasant" either. The movies of director Alfred Hitchcock are dark and sometimes gruesome. Certain composers like Tchaikovsky have written quite somber pieces. But they are all aesthetic and tend to create a significant impact upon people. They trigger emotional response in a mighty way.

As to craft, which includes technique and other technical aspects, this is simply the vessel that makes expression possible. The one who is doing the expressing is the artist, who is the life force, the being. The vision is spiritual. We are not talking about religion here, but simply the fact that the life force, the human essence, is who the musician is.

Some musicians feel that that their emotions have to come from their mind. They actually originate deeper, from within, from them, the life force. And a musician must know this, or else his expression will be too dry. He should not be using reason or logic to express himself; he (the spiritual force) should be expressing directly. A good analogy is a lifeless corpse laying in an open casket during a funeral. It may be all dolled up, neat and painted with rosy cheeks to give it life, and the superficial appearance is one of a resting or sleeping person. However, despite its outward appearance, it is still lifeless. The main essence is gone. And one can actually perceive that. The same principle applies to a lifeless performance. There is no real expression. It can be somewhat emotional, but if done on a strictly mental level, is not fine art. Incidentally, this applies to both major aspects of music, composing and performing.

A musician of any kind or at any level can always become better. The driving force, which underlies any and all technical aspects, no matter how simple or complex, is the musician himself. He should understand that he is a powerful being, and natively so.