The Art of Music: Producing, Playing and Performing

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato  

We all know that we use our sense of hearing to listen to music. Although it’s harder to visualize, music has often been depicted in the realm of visual art. Music, an art form rooted in the arrangement of sounds, primarily incorporates melody, harmony, timbre, and rhythm. Among the oldest of art forms, music has a universal appeal. Even societies with minimal understanding of its language or elements can still grasp its essence.

Music, in general terms, can be defined by elements such as pitch (encompassing melody and harmony), rhythm (related to tempo, meter, and articulation), dynamics (reflecting loudness and softness), and the qualities of sound like timbre and texture. Notably, not every musical style or genre employs these elements in the same way. While some may emphasize particular components, others might downplay or even ignore them. Music boasts of a rich diversity, with various styles and can be performed using intricate instruments, or simply with one’s body — employing the voice, hands, or feet. Musical pieces might be purely instrumental or include vocals. The creator’s imagination sets the only boundary, as exemplified by 20th-century American composer John Cage. He showcased a composition titled 4′33″ in 1952, which was essentially 4 minutes and 33 seconds of silence, highlighting the deliberate absence of conventional music.

John Cage during his 1966 concert at the opening of the National Arts Foundation in Washington, D.C. Rowland Scherman/Getty Images

The methods of performing and even the definition of music can change based on social context. Like all art forms, challenging established conventions in music can sometimes invite both acclaim and criticism. For instance, when Beethoven introduced his Grosse Fuge, it wasn’t immediately acknowledged as “music.” Jazz, too, faced its periods of scrutiny. Music is typically categorized into genres and sub-genres, much like how visual art is sorted by period. A significant aspect of music’s evolution is the mode of its consumption — from live performances being the sole medium, progressing to records, vinyls, cassettes, and now digital forms. The mediums through which we access music have profoundly influenced its evolution.

Every era has had its musical moments. From meticulously structured compositions to spontaneous improvisations, music’s presence has been consistent from ancient times to the present. Its journey has seen evolutions, recordings, analyses, therapeutic uses, and purposes of entertainment. Music can be the realm of amateurs or professionals. And while it might sometimes be the expression of a solitary individual, more often than not, it’s a collaborative creation.

“When you make music or write or create, it’s really your job to have mind-blowing, irresponsible, condomless sex with whatever idea it is you’re writing about at the time.” ― Lady Gaga

Recently, collaborations between musicians and artists from other domains have showcased the potential of stepping outside traditional boundaries. For instance, Kings of Leon released their album, When You See Yourself, pioneering one of the first releases in the form of a non-fungible token (NFT). The venture was successful, generating over $2 million. Purchasers didn’t just acquire the music, but also a distinctive token boasting exclusive album artwork and a limited edition ‘Golden Eye’ vinyl. And in a commendable gesture, the band chose to give back to the community, donating $500,000 to Live Nation’s Crew Nation fund. This initiative aids live music crews who have been severely affected by the global pandemic.

In the digital landscape, artists, notably musicians, have adopted the .ART domain, accentuating the synergy between music and art. This domain isn’t just a trend; it’s a testament to their commitment to artistry. Dive in as we spotlight five musicians who’ve chosen .ART to curate their online presence.

VADIMMAZO.ART

Vadim Mazo is a versatile musician: a violinist-violist, conductor, and Professor Emeritus of Music at Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) in the USA. Hailing from Belarus, he began his musical journey with the Belarusian State Philharmonic. In 1980, Vadim ventured to the U.S., enriching institutions like the Milwaukee Conservatory and IWU. He’s the brain behind the Milwaukee String Players Chamber Orchestra and the “Ameropa” music festival in Prague.

His performances have spanned venues from Weill Recital Hall in New York to the Prague Spring International festival. Beyond the stage, Mazo’s passion lies in education, dedicated to nurturing young talent and bridging cultural divides with music. Now residing in China, Vadim maintains a strong connection to his Belarusian roots and continues to inspire musicians worldwide.

MODIDENG.ART

Based in New Zealand, Modi Deng started her orchestral life as a pianist aged just eleven. Currently, she is crafting her art further by studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Her talent has offered her many opportunities, in which she performed with New Zealand’s major orchestras and gave concerts broadcasts by RNZ Concert & SOUNZ Centre of New Zealand Music. Her achievement also included receiving first prize in the 2018 National Concerto Competition.  

FILIPPOFABBRI.ART

Filippo Fabri wears several hats: he is a composer, orchestrator and researcher. He is the mastermind behind the sound universe of films, theatre plays, and contemporary art installations. Furthermore, this multidisciplinary artist has not only obtained a doctorate in applied physics but also in Systems Engineering. If this wasn’t enough, he challenged himself further and completed piano studies at the same time. Fabbri is a multi-instrumentalist and sound artist who founded and directs the Professional License “Sound and Image Techniques” at French IUT de Cachan.  

LICHINLI.ART

Li-Chin Li, a distinguished Taiwanese sheng musician, consistently pushes the boundaries of traditional music, aiming for her audiences to immerse themselves in an explorative sensory experience. Over the years, her innovative pursuits have taken her around the globe, collaborating with prestigious institutions such as the Manhattan School of Music in New York and Ensemble LINEA in Germany.

MARINAMARTINS.ART

Marina Martins, a prodigious Brazilian cellist, has earned global acclaim for her captivating musicality and stage presence. Beginning her cello journey at age three, she made her solo debut in Bristol by sixteen. With notable awards like Austria’s ‘Exilarte Preis’ in 2021 and honors from São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra in 2018, she’s firmly established as one of Brazil’s leading soloists.

MOSAERT.ART