The cliché about a reclusive composer losing the remnants of his mind over a musical manuscript is unjustified and even offensive for modern musicians. According to James Rhodes, a popular pianist and composer, there is a clearly proportional connection between music, creativity and mental balance, which does not harm, but rather supports the health and mood of creative people.
A Study of Prejudice
Crazy composer... pulls music out of himself note by note into a manuscript, lost 7 kilograms while composing his latest opera. The cold has long developed into bronchitis, and he always suffers from coughing, lack of sleep and malnutrition. Mumbling something under his breath, shouting at passers-by, drawing stave on napkins in cafes and restaurants. He sits alone at the piano, chilled, hungry, and looks at the inscription on the wall: “You don’t have to be crazy to compose music, but it’s easier this way”; an inscription that is written in his own handwriting, in his own blood.
This is not just a prejudice - it is a historical and cultural cliché that has become part of the public perception of all artists. But it is as wrong as it is widespread.
Reason for the cliché
The truth is that the connection between madness and creativity is as strong and logical as the cause-and-effect relationship between zodiac sign and intelligence.
The fact that society has decided to link madness and creativity is very easy to explain. How else can we mere mortals explain the incredible creative power of such geniuses as Mozart or Beethoven? Of course, it’s easier for us to explain this by some strange mental disorder or psychological illness. We cannot agree that both of these people were completely ordinary, otherwise where is the magic lost? And what to do with the question: why am I not like this?
What is madness?
Creativity is an extremely broad concept. Creating music becomes not just a job for composers, but the passion and love of their lives, the reason for their existence. Each of contemporary composers I'm willing to swear that the great musicians weren't crazy.
Excited? Yes, sure. Angry, impoverished, alcoholic, anxious, nervous, suffering from bouts of depression and grief. But these traits are not at all the definition of madness. In fact, they can describe all of us from time to time.
Of all the great composers today, only Schumann would be hospitalized for his bipolar disorder. Apart from him, no other musical genius would have received a positive diagnosis of any psychological disorder.
Diagnosis in psychology, in general, is a very interesting thing. We're all a little crazy. A good (or bad) psychologist can diagnose any person with a particular disorder. In reality, we know very little about how our own consciousness works. Once upon a time, the great English romantic poet Keats was diagnosed with mental disorder based on poetry." I'd like to think that we've reached new heights in psychology since then, but in reality little has changed.
What is creativity?
During the creative process, the musician is not at all concerned about his psychological state. However, as soon as he thinks about his own health, creativity immediately becomes absolutely necessary. In this case, it is important to note that all composers achieved their heights not because, but despite the fact that they were restless, nervous and unbalanced.
Creativity and creative power are a sign of mental stability, and not a disorder. Creativity saves people from routine, depression, fear and hopelessness. The opportunity to speak out, to pour out raging emotions into music, is what saves the composer from madness.
Biographical example
The constructive, saving energy of creativity can be demonstrated by the example of the great composer Johann Sebastian Bach. The author of the greatest musical works was orphaned at the age of 10, lost several brothers and sisters, faced constant physical and mental abuse at school, and spent several years next to a relative who hated him. As a teenager, he walked hundreds of kilometers to get to the best music school. He had 20 children, 11 of whom died at an early age. His beloved wife died suddenly while the composer was on a short trip. Having experienced so much grief, any person would have gone crazy, but Bach remained an absolutely rational, mentally balanced person until the end of his days. And all because he expressed his emotions, all his tears and sorrows in music.
He never stopped working for a day. Without music, it is likely that he would go crazy. He didn't need encouraging conclusions modern research, proving that creativity has a positive effect on both social, emotional and intellectual development. He didn't need to read about how creative people have great potential. He just knew it... he knew it and never stopped working for a moment.
Creativity in the modern world
Today we regularly try to find a solution to our problems, to justify them with anything, if only we are allowed to continue leading our calm and measured lifestyle. Creativity does not tolerate regularity; it does not recognize boundaries and stereotypes. Creativity lives and creates life. Composers, artists, sculptors and writers do not need to seek oblivion in TV series, social networks and expensive resorts. In their inner world the whole universe lives and develops.
There is one secret that the general public does not know or chooses to ignore: you don't have to become a composer or an artist to be creative person. One of the saddest myths of our time is the myth that only a small part of people are creative. As Picasso said: all children are the greatest painters, the most big problem of our society is that we prevent them from remaining artists.
Every music lover wants to know more about their musical idols. Long gone are the days when interesting and important information mined bit by bit, collected newspapers and magazine clippings about their favorite musicians, let each other read them and exchanged articles. Today, to find out news, read interviews with artists or the history of a group, just go online. But for those who are interested in everything related to idols, this is not enough. Books about your favorite performers and composers are tangible, material things that give you the opportunity to literally touch the world of performers.
Today you can easily find many books dedicated to music in stores. These are biographies and autobiographies of musicians, stories of various groups, books on music theory and textbooks for those who want to learn a musical instrument themselves. New publications about music are published regularly. Every music lover will find something for themselves in this abundance.
Each song has its own story
Would you like to attend a rehearsal of your favorite rock band? How about finding out how musicians compose their hits, and what is behind each of their songs? If your answer is yes, then the Stories Behind the Songs series is for you!This series includes books about the most popular and beloved performers in the world. You will learn the fascinating stories of rock bands, the authors will introduce you to the secrets of the creation of all studio albums and major hit compositions, and tell stories about the events that influenced the writing of songs.
Each book in the series contains huge amount photographs illustrating creative path performers and groups. Many of these photographs are being published for the first time.
Among the new products in the series, we can highlight a book dedicated to the band Radiohead. Author and musicologist James Doheny, who wrote this book, tells the story of each song of this famous group.
Previously, books about such bands as U2, Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Abba and other teams who wrote songs recognized modern classics. The absolutely legendary “Beatles” and “Rollings” were not spared either.
Musical legends and idols
Another great series for connoisseurs of quality music. In the books in the series you will find excerpts from interviews with musicians, information about their personal lives and views. Particularly worth noting are the books “Rammstein. Burning Hearts", "David Bowie: Meetings and Interviews", as well as "Motorhead. On autopilot."For those who love our
The world rock scene is great, but what can you read about our domestic rock stars? For those who prefer Russian live music, we can recommend the books of the “Legends of Russian Rock” series, in which eleven publications have already been published about various musicians and groups.In these books you will find stories about the history of Russian rock. The history of some performers stretches over several decades, but even the debut works of these musicians are still listened to and loved today. This, perhaps, is the phenomenon of Russian rock music: it is relevant at all times.
Among the new products in the series, I would like to note the book “Pavel Kashin. Along the magic river" – honest and frank story one of the most popular contemporary domestic performers and authors. Pavel Kashin remains aloof from high-profile parties, but his songs are known and loved by millions.
Another group, “The King and the Clown,” was awarded two whole books published in the “Legends of Russian Rock” series. In addition, the series includes publications dedicated to such groups as “Chaif”, “Nautilus Pompilius”, “Kino”, “Secret” and “Resurrection”. By the way, the group “The King and the Jester,” already mentioned above, is so popular that books about it continue to be published not only in this series. The “Old Book” /book/korol-i-shut-staraya-kniga-833644/ was recently released - a unique collection of drafts, thanks to which every fan of the group can immerse themselves in creative process, learn how songs were created, and read many poems that never became songs.
Books for connoisseurs of symphonic music
For those who want to know more about modern musicians and composers who have already become classics, we can recommend the series of books “Eternal Music. Illustrated biographies of great musicians." The authors of the works published in this series were people who personally knew Shostakovich, Richter, Prokofiev and other heroes of these biographies.For example, the book of memoirs of Sergei Rachmaninoff is the only genuine memoir document - the composer’s story about himself. Unfortunately, Rachmaninov did not leave detailed autobiography. Musicologist Oskar von Riesemann recorded his memoirs genius composer- This book was first published in 1934 in London.
Another musician, the first Grammy Award winner in the USSR, Svyatoslav Richter, is described in the book “About Richter in His Words.” Richter himself approved the publication of this book.
Book by Valentina Chemberdzhi “Music lived in the house. Shostakovich. Prokofiev. Richter" is not a memoir, but rather sketches for portraits of musical figures in the dramatic context of the country's history. On these pages there are not only stories about Shostakovich, Prokofiev and Richter, but also about other, undeservedly forgotten, but worthy of admiration people.
Other books about music
“Music of my life. Memoirs of a Maestro" is a book written by Raymond Pauls– the father of Latvian pop music, whose songs are known and loved not only in Latvia, but also in Russia, as well as throughout the world. He earned many awards, titles, and became a laureate of a number of prizes. But these regalia are almost never mentioned next to his name. For millions of people, Raymond Pauls remains the owner of one “title” - Maestro."Voice. Musical literacy for vocalists" is a publication that will be useful to everyone who wants to take their first steps into the world of music theory. Despite the title, the book is addressed not only to vocalists, but also to to a wide circle readers who want to learn more about music.
“Immersion in Music” is a book by Mikhail Kazinik, also known as “Secrets of Geniuses-2”.
In this work famous philosopher, art critic, director, playwright Mikhail Kazinik introduces readers to the peculiarities of creativity famous composers, reveals the secrets of impact different types music on the listener, appeals to eternal themes good and evil, death and immortality, love, passion, obsession. Learn the secrets of music by reading this book!
“Music as a chance” - book famous musician Vladislav Kolchin. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. There is no cure for this disease, which affects many people around the world. Except, perhaps, music... This is a very personal book about music, filled with a lot of autobiographical details.
A book with the simple title “Music” is not simple at all.
This is quite a voluminous publication, on the pages of which the world of music is presented in all its diversity of styles, trends and genres. The authors made a successful attempt to cover this world as fully as possible.
Geniuses, young geniuses, very young geniuses... What names come to mind? Probably something like this: Da Vinci, Robertino Loretti... And Mozart, of course! Where would we be without Mozart?
Little wizard Mozart
Mozart is perhaps one of the most famous young geniuses. After all, already in childhood, the whole of Europe admired him, he was called a little wizard and was invited to speak to the most famous and eminent people of that time.
Genius - of course, you can’t argue with this, but genius is only 10% of success, and the remaining 90% is work and education. So let's try together to see how Mozart was raised and, perhaps, we will find something for raising our children.
Wolfgang was born into a poor family in the mid-18th century. His father was court organist and bandmaster in Salzburg. He was a skilled musician and an excellent violinist and organist. Mozart's mother was a beautiful, cheerful and good-natured woman, and his father was sometimes strict and adamant - completely ordinary family, right?
As much as the mother loved to pamper and cherish her children, the father was strict and demanding. WITH early age he took part in raising children (oh how modern fathers sometimes lack this), taught them to be orderly and responsible. He himself put the children to bed and sang lullabies.
According to contemporaries, until the age of three, Wolfgang was not much different from other children: he was alive and cheerful boy, often asked if he was loved. The only thing in which his musicality was expressed then: he loved to accompany all his games with songs and music.
Meeting "serious" music
Mozart's encounter with “adult, serious” music began when his five-year-old sister began to be taught to play the harpsichord. Wolfgang was also present at the first lesson, and the lesson made a huge impression on him. After this, the boy could not be torn away from the instrument. The father tried to show him a small minuet - and the boy repeated it flawlessly. Then they started working with him. What can I say? Be more attentive to your kids - especially if they are very interested in something! What if it’s a little genius waking up?
Mozart's father did not want to introduce Wolfgang to the rules of composing music too early, but this did not stop the child from writing his first concerto at the age of 4. His father found him with a pile of music paper, all the sheets were covered in blots and notes, and the boy claimed that he was writing a concerto for the harpsichord and had already finished the first movement. When the elder Mozart figured out the notes and blots, he was amazed: in front of him was a completely correctly written concerto, although it was difficult to perform. Conclusion? Don’t laugh at the little scribbles of our kids, even if they are really not the famous “Sunflowers”, but rather obscure handwritings. Otherwise, we risk forever discouraging the child’s interest in drawing, writing music, writing poetry, etc. etc.
Wolfgang studied very successfully: whatever he did, he devoted himself to the matter with all his soul. He really liked mathematics. True, while solving mathematical problems, the child could write not only on paper, but also on walls, benches, and the floor. When the child sat down at the piano, no one dared to approach him not only with a joke, but even just to speak! At such moments, Wolfgang's face became so serious and concentrated that many, looking at this precocious talent, feared for his longevity.
Early fame and childhood pranks
At the age of six, the Mozarts began traveling around Europe. They moved from city to city, conquering different cities and people. The glory of the extraordinary children (Wolfgang and his gifted sister Nannerl) flew before them. They were received by high-ranking officials and royalty. Unfortunately, there is very little information left about whether such early fame went to the baby’s head and whether he began to suffer from “star fever.”
Most likely not, because Wolfgang did not agree to play in front of people who did not understand music. Even if it was possible to persuade him, he played empty, insignificant things. (Please note: no imposition of his father's will! Leopold gave Wolfgang full right to choose where, when and what to play). And at the court in Vienna he remained true to himself: he did not agree to play anything serious until they called Wagenseil, one of best musicians and composers of that time. And perhaps one more thing should be noted important point: the genius of Mozart and the talent of his sister brought their parents considerable money and fame, but the parents remembered that children are, first of all, children who should have a childhood and, of course, children's fun and pranks. A renowned and serious musician, Wolfgang often interrupted his studies to play with the cat or gallop through the rooms on his father's cane.
What conclusions can be drawn from the story of Mozart's childhood? Be attentive to your children, respect their interests, and be sure to create every opportunity for the development of hidden talents. And don’t forget that a child only experiences childhood once in his life; don’t rush to make your baby an adult. And even if you don’t grow up to be a little genius or a great talent, may you just have a happy child!
Natalya Gavrilyastaya
The presence of musical memory, an ear for music, a sense of rhythm, and emotional sensitivity to music are called musical abilities. Almost all people, to one degree or another, have all these gifts from nature and, if desired, can develop them. Outstanding musical abilities are much less common.
Towards the phenomenon of exceptional musical talents The following “set” of mental properties of an artistic personality can be attributed: absolute pitch, phenomenal musical memory, extraordinary ability to learn, creative talent.
The highest manifestations of musicality
Russian musician K.K. Since childhood, Saradzhev discovered a unique ear for music. For Sarajev, all living beings and inanimate objects sounded in certain musical tones. For example, one of the artists familiar to Konstantin Konstantinovich was for him: D-sharp major, moreover, having orange tint.
Sarajev claimed that in an octave he clearly distinguishes 112 sharps and 112 flats of each tone. Among all the musical instruments, K. Sarajev singled out bells. The brilliant musician created a musical catalog of the sound spectra of the bells of Moscow belfries and more than 100 most interesting compositions playing bells.
F. List, S.V. Rachmaninov, D. Enescu and other brilliant musicians had a phenomenal memory: they could, looking at the musical text, remember without an instrument piece of music with fantastic speed and accuracy.
F. Liszt played from sight, as M.I. recalled. Glinka, several numbers from his handwritten score of the opera “Ruslan and Lyudmila”, retaining all the notes - to the surprise of the audience (Glinka’s handwriting was very illegible). F. Liszt was helped by his extraordinary musical intuition.
Once, at the request of M. Ravel, in front of a picky music publisher, D. Enescu brilliantly played Ravel’s new violin sonata by heart. He first saw the text half an hour before the performance.
I.S. Bach and W. Mozart memorized the most complex orchestral works after hearing them just once. Worldwide they had the rarest musical memory famous performers: I. Goffman, S. Feinberg. L. Oborin, S. Richter, D. Oistrakh, which helped them have a huge concert repertoire.
The companion of musical talent is the gift of virtuoso playing musical instruments. The highest technique of mastering the instrument, giving unlimited freedom of performing movements, for musical genius, first of all, is a means that allows him to deeply and inspiredly reveal the content of music.
S. Richter plays “The Play of Water” by M. Ravel
An example of extraordinary musical abilities is the phenomenon of improvisation on given themes, when a musician creates a piece of music, without prior preparation, during the process of its performance.
Children are musicians
Distinctive feature unusual musical abilities is their early manifestation. Gifted children are distinguished by their strong and quick memorization of music and a penchant for musical composition.
Children with musical talent can already intonate clearly by the age of two, and by the age of 4-5 they learn to read music from a sheet fluently and reproduce musical text expressively and meaningfully. Child prodigies are a miracle still inexplicable by science. It happens that the artistry and technical perfection, the maturity of performance of young musicians turns out to be better game adults.
V. Mozart began playing the clavier and violin at the age of 4 and composing music. From the age of 6, he gave concerts in Europe, at which he performed his own and other people’s works, sight-read with extraordinary ease, and improvised on given themes. F. Sheet s early childhood surprised listeners with his virtuoso piano playing.
There is now a boom around the world children's creativity and there are many child prodigies today.
An 11-year-old girl - vocalist from Moscow V. Oganesyan sings complex opera arias, From the age of 4, the young Russian pianist V. Kutuzova has been performing on stage, the violinist from Berlin A. Kamara began playing the violin at the age of 2.
The young conductor from Uzbekistan Eduard Yudenich took to the stage at the age of 6 to conduct symphony orchestra. He began playing the violin at the age of three, then mastered the piano. Having a phenomenal musical memory, the boy knows by heart the scores of all the works he conducts. At the age of seven, he conducted an orchestra performing Liszt’s orchestral poem “Preludes.”
F. Liszt “Preludes” – Eduard Yudenich conducts
