What links Rothko and Mozart?

Рет қаралды 40,646

Күн бұрын

Mark Rothko was obsessed with Mozart's music, considering him the 'alpha & omega' of composers. But what can we learn from this obsession? In this essay, I look at the parallels between Mozart's music and Rothko's paintings and consider how both artists aim to achieve the same goal - the simple expression of the complex thought.
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FURTHER WATCHING
The Case For Mark Rothko | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios: • The Case For Mark Roth...
Lecture on Mark Rothko and the Inner World: • Lecture on Mark Rothko...
FURTHER READING/RESEARCH
Mark Rothko: From the Inside Out - www.amazon.co.uk/Mark-Rothko-...

Пікірлер: 115

@AndyChamberlainMusic 4 жыл бұрын

I said to myself "why did he format the text like that?" at 4:05, and then you did that wonderful transition. Love it

@ListeningIn 4 жыл бұрын

I was quite pleased with that bit....!

@Prometeur 4 жыл бұрын

These videos are absolutely amazing and so elegant. Thank you for putting so much time into this.

@ListeningIn 4 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome! Really glad you enjoyed it.

@johnmartlew5897 4 жыл бұрын

At 7:43. I don’t agree with the observation that Impressionist painters separated art from reality. The Impressionists redefined the nature of human observation through their methods. Our sense of light and colour as it really is, if you truly see the objects you observe, was their objective. Their paintings were meant as an expression of the reality of the physical world and the limitations of our senses. Their ideas were also based on contemporary discoveries in physics and optics. I love Rothko’s work. Your presentation was was a treat. I had no idea of the Mozart connection.

@SteffenThole 4 жыл бұрын

I was too close minded regarding modern paintings like these. Now I understand I have to look way deeper into them and their artists to understand why somebody would take their time to basically paint two rectangles on a huge canvas. Without the comparisons to Mozart it wouldn't have 'struck a chord' with me like that, so I am very grateful for that decision.

@BernardVictor 3 жыл бұрын

This is very true. If you want to appreciate modern painting you must really concentrate on it,not just a quick glance.

@nickn2794 3 жыл бұрын

@Yongo Bazuk hi, as an art history student and music lover, I have to say you're wrong in judging Rothko so badly. I can understand your feelings because I've hated contemporary art for a lot of time until I have begun to understand it. Abstract art wants to express only feelings through the only use of shapes and colours and its not so easy. Many try that type of art, not many enter history though. They do not paint reality, therefore their art is not immediatly comprehensible, it's a different language. I suggest you the Art Assignment's video on Rothko (it's 4 min) to understand better what Rothko did and why people consider him a genius.

@ankitkumarpandey5205 3 жыл бұрын

"To really hear a piece of Mozart, or to really see a Rothko painting, is to see yourself" And then at @9:44, I saw myself. My reflection on my phone screen lol

@edenroc5572 4 жыл бұрын

i shed tears while watching. power of rothko and mozart. thank u for this gem

@rasmusn.e.m1064 4 жыл бұрын

My first reaction to seeing the video title was "Yes!" My second reaction was "Yes!"

@MRMADDNES1328 3 жыл бұрын

I can't stop watching your videos since I've discovered the channel. You made me understand the connection between the two, although I've always linked Rothko's paintings with pieces like Cage's "In a Landscape". Thanks to the video, I've remember now a recording I've done of a piano improvisation while thinking of Rothko's paintings. Thanks a lot for these videos!

@davidaustinveal9277 2 жыл бұрын

Two of my favorite artists, and I love your description that helps me understand my love for them, and in doing so, I understand myself. Thank you.

@Marianita9820 3 жыл бұрын

This is so underrated !! Such a clean way of understanding both complex works of art.

@shine6667 2 жыл бұрын

What a refreshing angle to link these two together! After your explanation, I do feel their work have a lot of similarity.

@admiralfox3132 4 жыл бұрын

You have once again outdone yourself with both the visual design and the content of this Video. The continued quality you manage to achieve in every video is astonishing!

@ListeningIn 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks again!

@markjohnorourke8264 2 жыл бұрын

So good 👍. My Two favourite Artists. Excellent video.

@Max-jf5vu 4 жыл бұрын

Your videos are always so visually pleasing and well-presented! I really don't know how you're so consistent!

@ListeningIn 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Max!

@valeriolapiana6643 4 жыл бұрын

You are just the best channel on KZfaq!! I just enjoy the perfection of every content! Thank you SO MUCH for the inspiration you give me!

@ListeningIn 4 жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you! You are very welcome!

@saturn1b1 4 жыл бұрын

Another excellent video. Your amazing work is always such a treat.

@ListeningIn 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks again!

@gay_milhouse1160 4 жыл бұрын

This was incredible! Before the stay at home, I was really jonesing to go to the Menil and commune when some Rothko and that feeling is only getting stronger and stronger as this goes on.

@vibes9937 4 жыл бұрын

Beautiful audiovisual work and a brilliant musical analysis ... this channel is a real hidden gem on youtube ... obviously I'm already subscribed ... greetings and congratulations !!

@ListeningIn 4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoy it!

@user-xo7hb6ts7j 4 жыл бұрын

this is an extremely high quality video. love it.

@oting1 3 жыл бұрын

Really wonderful videos! But having subtitles would would really increase accessibility for those of us who are hard of hearing. I'm missing out chunks and am so sad not to be able to figure out parts of the narrative.

@slgoycreates.6277 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!! your channel is fantastic and beautifully presented.

@kujjitafari8509 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Your work is brilliant ! You have an intricate understanding of such a complex topic! Would love to see your essay of The cloud Atlas sextet from the Film Cloud Atlas. 🙏🏽💕

@RegalState 4 жыл бұрын

I've been watching your videos for quite a while now, and the breakdowns between theme and function are so wonderful. I usually cover hip hop and alternative rnb music, but I am absolutely an avid listener of contemporary composers such as (the late) Johan Johannson, Alexandre Desplat and also contemporary pianists such as Nils Frahm. The fact that you yourself are an accomplished composer (getting a piece with Tokyo Philarmonic is something I think most people wouldn't be able to comprehend) adds a degree of gravitas to your work too, so huge props. I (barely) played guitar for 10 years so I don't think I come close to have that pedigree haha. Thank you so much for being a wonderful fellow englishman who is continuing to strive for the message behind themes, it means a lot to (somewhat) be alongside you in breaking down musical constructs in our own ways.

@ListeningIn 4 жыл бұрын

Hi! I'm really pleased you've enjoyed watching your videos. I had a look at your videos - they're really good. I'm very surprised that you didn't have more subscribers! They're very professionally put together and the presentation, and writing of the scripts, is excellent. I have no idea why content doesn't get pushed - for me it was just one video that did very well that got me to this stage. Thanks for getting int touch - it's always really nice to hear from other creators. Keep well.

@RegalState 4 жыл бұрын

@@ListeningIn Haha i'm not really concerned about the numbers, I have an innate desire to archive a lot of lyrical / conceptual themes in certain genres, and that's what keeps driving me. It's just so happening that over time, people are gravitating towards it. Much love, would be happy to do a joint voiceover for one of your future projects.

@BenjaminKallestein 3 жыл бұрын

Wow! Glad I stumbled upon this little gem of channel. Subbed and waiting for more! :)

@penelopemontoya 3 жыл бұрын

Well, this is now my favourite thing on the internet. Thank you so much.

@lindsaycole4077 4 жыл бұрын

A simply fascinating comparison - so wonderful to watch and listen.

@ListeningIn 4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@artistjoliebarb3039 2 жыл бұрын

So grateful for your video thoughts

@sveinungnygaard1505 4 жыл бұрын

Could you make an analysis of the Rite of Spring?

@edonave 3 жыл бұрын

I particularly love Rothko and this video is so so so interesting. Thank you!

@rabbitfishtv 2 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful and inspiring essay.

@vitorribeiro2647 3 жыл бұрын

This was so great. Thank you!!

@davids6898 Жыл бұрын

Some years ago I attended an art exhibit of Rothko’s works at a museum not far from the Rothko Chapel in Houston. They attempted to explain the connection to Mozart but it was fleeting and I really did not understand it until watching this video. I think it was best explained from a musician’s standpoint rather than an artist’s standpoint.

@marcocresci 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. Very interesting and excellent class.

@Iegacyfilm 4 жыл бұрын

I adore your videos. Always a pleasure, thank you

@ListeningIn 4 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

@theflipside2709 3 жыл бұрын

Great explanation!

@aallpprr8998 4 жыл бұрын

I often got chills while watching your videos hahah

@nl1913 3 жыл бұрын

I can hear and see The Spirit of Creation through your work 🙏

@joe-e-geo 3 жыл бұрын

"Red," anyone? With Alfred Molina. Look it up on PBS' Great Performances.

@nicholaslatina4464 4 жыл бұрын

I would love to hear your thoughts on Feldman's 'Rothkos chapel'! Great stuff as always

@ListeningIn 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I thought about including a bit about 'Rothko's chapel', but couldn't make it fit. I might have to make a separate video about it...

@AngelasMixedMediaArtist 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful and interesting.

@shekhawat5917 4 жыл бұрын

amazing just amazing keep up the good work

@ListeningIn 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Will do!

@ferminleon 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Barnaby! I've really been enyouing the high quality of all the videos you put up. I was wondering what happened to your score video of Home Is, the expression markings were very valuable insight into the music!

@ListeningIn 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Unfortunately I had to take it down, but I think Jacob's going to publish the piece at some point, so look out for that.

@ferminleon 4 жыл бұрын

@@ListeningIn Thanks for the response, it's a shame. I'll keep on the lookout. Cheers!

@madhossein 3 жыл бұрын

"Smiling through tears" well said.

@bertrandchavarria-aldrete8021 3 жыл бұрын

...This is simply brilliant

@gapjin-art Жыл бұрын

감사합니다 좋은 영상 잘보았습니다

@ricoravioli2306 4 жыл бұрын

Breathtaking

@joshuakrienke9001 4 жыл бұрын

Really love your videos, man. I’ve been recommending them to all of my fellow musicians. I don’t know if you’re taking suggestions, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on the music in Portrait of a Lady on Fire. It’s a really beautiful film in its own right, but the music (or more specifically, the lack thereof) struck me. There’s no non-diegetic score for the movie so the scenes are often silent and intimate. However, there are three instances of diegetic music in the film, and music plays a really specific role in the movie thematically. If nothing else, it’s worth a watch :)

@ListeningIn 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Joshua! I definitely do take suggestions. I've never seen Portrait of a Lady on Fire, but I will watch it. It sounds really interesting.

@techable3425 4 жыл бұрын

Very very elegant and very very beautiful

@ListeningIn 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much 😊

@GiaMeziridis 11 күн бұрын

Mark Rothko is associated by Max Richter's "Unity fields I-II-III" from 2023 and forever.

@user-xt3ji4yi9g 4 ай бұрын

Brilliant!!!!!!!!!

@yat_ii 24 күн бұрын

to me, Rothko's paintings reminds me of Feldman's music

@sgwinenoob2115 4 жыл бұрын

I couldn't disagree more with your analysis. But your presentation is a thing of utter beauty! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

@ListeningIn 4 жыл бұрын

Ha! Glad you enjoyed the video, though! Out of interest, what part did you disagree with?

@sgwinenoob2115 4 жыл бұрын

@@ListeningIn The sugesstion that Mozart is in any way formulaic is, i think, wrong headed. Mozart did indeed perfect classical style harmony and form. But that is not the thing for which he is remembered. He is remembered for knowing what is expected, and innovating out of the expectations. You mention an example of this in the 21 piano concerto, where he makes a quick turnaround to G major, a completely unexpected and definitely not formulaic procedure. Just some more examples off the top of my head. The double developement form of symphony 40. The fugue finale of 41 (certainly neither formulaic nor elegant, nor simple). The ambiguously major/minor nature of the piano concerto 25. The little gigue, which explores never-before-seen harmonic terrain... etc. Mozart is the furthest thing from formulaic. Even the operas that you cite are formally and technically ground breaking in a multityde of ways. The other issue is your characterization of Rothko, which i respectfully disagree with too!

@sgwinenoob2115 4 жыл бұрын

@@ListeningIn Im just wondering if you have a response. Id love to hear what you think, and what elements you disagree with

@ListeningIn 4 жыл бұрын

Hi - sorry I have notifications turned off. I completely agree that Mozart often does completely unexpected things, the same for Rothko, but my point was the expression in the work comes from subversion of the form. Yes, the structure is often predictable (and sometimes not), but it's the micro-variations in harmony and form in Mozart's music that generates the interest. I think we basically agree, but I can understand if you think my characterisation was too strong! Thanks for watching, and for commenting.

@jakegearhart 4 жыл бұрын

I think Rothko's paintings are more akin to a four chord pop song. Simple expression of _simple_ thought. 5:05 "Benign and universal." The universality of pop music is the reason it's so popular. I enjoyed the video though. ;-]

@ListeningIn 4 жыл бұрын

I think that's probably because it's very difficult to give an impression of the size and impact of the paintings when viewed in person. Some people liken them to religious experiences - they have to be viewed in person to really understand their effect. Glad you enjoyed the video!

@user-bf6gz8ej4o 3 жыл бұрын

What a great video! But one question of mine hasn't been answered before, as far as I know. And it annoys me that I can't get behind Rothko's paintings without having the answer to the question. What emotion did he want us to feel? I get that he wanted the people to feel something when standing infront of a painting of his. But what should we feel? He definitely had a precise intention. So "everyone feels something different" cannot be the answer.

@katies2199 2 жыл бұрын

I recommend watching this art historian talk about Rothko's works; it also mentions his love of Mozart. The short answer is that, at least in his later works, he was trying to illicit the solemnity of a temple kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nNmqacWc0K-sqoU.html

@user-bf6gz8ej4o 2 жыл бұрын

@@katies2199 sounds interesting, thank you!

@artvsmachine3703 3 жыл бұрын

And, apparently through your video, we learn that appreciating Rothko might be easier and more profound when accompanied by a Mozart soundtrack.

@michaelnewbury2856 2 жыл бұрын

Mozart = Sublime genius. Rothko = King's New Clothes

@SamTahbou 3 жыл бұрын

It's definitely interesting; Rothko was inspired by Mozart when creating some of his works, but I can't hear Mozart when looking at the paintings. Quite the transformation. I wonder what music was I spired by art and if I could visualize the art listening to the music.

@mercedessanmartin4732 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing and so very “human” ... thank you

@yogi2436 2 жыл бұрын

I think there is great profundity in Rothko but the task of describing it requires further explanation and clarification.

@bookmouse2719 3 жыл бұрын

Design, color vibrancy, movement within a space, reduction of elements = Rothko

@ck7642 Жыл бұрын

whoah

@kirtanuum 2 ай бұрын

"To really hear a piece of Mozart, (or) to really see a Rothko painting, is: to see: yourself." Now, this... is illusion.

@savo1599 2 жыл бұрын

❤️‍🔥

@alexlitill2315 3 жыл бұрын

👏👏👏

@T.H.W.O.T.H 4 жыл бұрын

"All art aspires to the condition of music." -- Walter Pater. "...and all music aspires to the condition of Jazz." --- Me. :D

@ListeningIn 4 жыл бұрын

I like the last bit + the reveal is excellent

@advocate1563 3 жыл бұрын

I agree with the quotation. If not the addition.

@matthewwhall9356 3 жыл бұрын

Slight mistake at 1:49. Mozart wrote 27 piano concertos, not 23.

@marilynengle 2 жыл бұрын

The text is a little naive with regard to the musical discussion.

@RyanGreenBlueGaming 4 жыл бұрын

ah yes, Mozart.

@nickn2794 3 жыл бұрын

Wasn't Rothko trying to express mainly negative feelings though?

@cedarraine7829 5 ай бұрын

@mozznyc Жыл бұрын

Well done, thank you!

@estel5335 3 жыл бұрын

Rothko or the most uninteresting Artist, I have ever seen. Mozart though, I enjoy greatly.

@gardikagigih5704 3 жыл бұрын

"simple expression of complex thought" --------

@Lebetii 2 жыл бұрын

Rothko art goes perfectly with jazz.

@1258-Eckhart 5 ай бұрын

An interesting theory, maybe a little cerebral? I was in the Guggenheim in Bilbao and was deeply moved by the Rothkos - they are silent, meditative, expressive, challenging. But I find Mozart to be accessible, cheerful, optimistic, elaborate, encouraging, but not infrequently a bit poppy. The relationship of the two artists I see more as one of complementarity than equivalence.

@benjaminenders8762 3 жыл бұрын

what a mess, I quite like these video assays usually, but without really defining some things or getting into some aesthetic theory makes this alle really mirky.

@michaelm5926 3 жыл бұрын

Ridiculous: Compare a genius (Mozart) with a impostor (Rothko) 🤦‍♂️

@BernardVictor 3 жыл бұрын

You obviously have no soul, and have not really looked at a Rothko painting. If you were in London and saw the Seagram paintings at the Tate, you might understand how deep they are.

@escitalopram15mg61 3 жыл бұрын

@@BernardVictor You obviously have no brain, and have not really looked at a Rothko painting. If you were in London and saw the Seagram paintings at the Tate, you might understand how stupid they are.

@reka_sz0 3 жыл бұрын

Rothko is kinda sus

@aspiknf 3 жыл бұрын

I agree with Michael M, Escitalopram 15milligrammes, and Mr. Szalay.