08-03-2010, 02:06 PM
Totally agree. Sticking with composers, though I bet it goes for all facets of creativity, the ones who really push the boundaries of musical language I think are much more in tune and in touch with their Higher Selves, whether it's conscious or not. Chopin certainly knew how to get a BIG sound out of the piano (though I wonder what it sounded like on a period instrument). I think it can also extend to those who only make a few grand creations, or even only a few grand SECTIONS in larger works, while the rest of their body of work doesn't quiet stand up. For me that would be someone like Bruckner, a few mind-blowing sections (the recap of the 8th symphony for eg.) while the rest is just kind of eh.
I don't think anyone can really pinpoint what makes any particular work of art a masterpiece that stands the test of time, but I feel it has something to do with it being ahead of its time and simultaneously universal, and therefore TIMELESS! 1000 years from now, I bet some of Wagner's music will still be pretty epic. The Roman ruins will still be architectural masterpieces.
And I still won't understand how people can stare for hours at the Mona Lisa!
I don't think anyone can really pinpoint what makes any particular work of art a masterpiece that stands the test of time, but I feel it has something to do with it being ahead of its time and simultaneously universal, and therefore TIMELESS! 1000 years from now, I bet some of Wagner's music will still be pretty epic. The Roman ruins will still be architectural masterpieces.
And I still won't understand how people can stare for hours at the Mona Lisa!