What links Rothko and Mozart?

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  • Опубліковано 4 тра 2024
  • 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-...

КОМЕНТАРІ • 113

  • @AndyChamberlainMusic
    @AndyChamberlainMusic 4 роки тому +44

    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
      @ListeningIn  4 роки тому +6

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

  • @Prometeur
    @Prometeur 4 роки тому +66

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

    • @ListeningIn
      @ListeningIn  4 роки тому +3

      You are so welcome! Really glad you enjoyed it.

  • @johnmartlew5897
    @johnmartlew5897 4 роки тому +16

    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
    @SteffenThole 4 роки тому +40

    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
      @BernardVictor 3 роки тому +1

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

    • @nickn2794
      @nickn2794 3 роки тому +2

      @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
    @ankitkumarpandey5205 3 роки тому +24

    "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
    @edenroc5572 3 роки тому +6

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

  • @rasmusn.e.m1064
    @rasmusn.e.m1064 4 роки тому +9

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

  • @MRMADDNES1328
    @MRMADDNES1328 2 роки тому +3

    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!

  • @Marianita9820
    @Marianita9820 3 роки тому +2

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

  • @davidaustinveal9277
    @davidaustinveal9277 2 роки тому

    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.

  • @shine6667
    @shine6667 2 роки тому +1

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

  • @admiralfox3132
    @admiralfox3132 4 роки тому

    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!

  • @gay_milhouse1160
    @gay_milhouse1160 4 роки тому +1

    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.

  • @kujjitafari8509
    @kujjitafari8509 3 роки тому +1

    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. 🙏🏽💕

  • @Max-jf5vu
    @Max-jf5vu 4 роки тому

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

  • @slgoycreates.6277
    @slgoycreates.6277 3 роки тому

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

  • @oting1
    @oting1 3 роки тому +5

    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.

  • @saturn1b1
    @saturn1b1 4 роки тому +2

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

  • @user-xo7hb6ts7j
    @user-xo7hb6ts7j 3 роки тому +3

    this is an extremely high quality video. love it.

  • @penelopemontoya
    @penelopemontoya 3 роки тому

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

  • @vibes9937
    @vibes9937 4 роки тому

    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 !!

  • @valeriolapiana6643
    @valeriolapiana6643 4 роки тому

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

    • @ListeningIn
      @ListeningIn  4 роки тому

      Wow, thank you! You are very welcome!

  • @markjohnorourke8264
    @markjohnorourke8264 2 роки тому +1

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

  • @lindsaycole4077
    @lindsaycole4077 4 роки тому

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

  • @RegalState
    @RegalState 4 роки тому +1

    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
      @ListeningIn  4 роки тому

      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
      @RegalState 4 роки тому

      @@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.

  • @vitorribeiro2647
    @vitorribeiro2647 2 роки тому

    This was so great. Thank you!!

  • @rabbitfishtv
    @rabbitfishtv 2 роки тому

    What a beautiful and inspiring essay.

  • @BenjaminKallestein
    @BenjaminKallestein 3 роки тому

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

  • @artistjoliebarb3039
    @artistjoliebarb3039 2 роки тому

    So grateful for your video thoughts

  • @theflipside2709
    @theflipside2709 3 роки тому

    Great explanation!

  • @sveinungnygaard1505
    @sveinungnygaard1505 4 роки тому +6

    Could you make an analysis of the Rite of Spring?

  • @marcocresci
    @marcocresci 3 роки тому

    Thank you so much. Very interesting and excellent class.

  • @edonave
    @edonave 2 роки тому

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

  • @davids6898
    @davids6898 Рік тому

    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.

  • @ferminleon
    @ferminleon 4 роки тому

    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
      @ListeningIn  4 роки тому

      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
      @ferminleon 4 роки тому

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

  • @Iegacyfilm
    @Iegacyfilm 4 роки тому

    I adore your videos. Always a pleasure, thank you

  • @aallpprr8998
    @aallpprr8998 3 роки тому

    I often got chills while watching your videos hahah

  • @nicholaslatina4464
    @nicholaslatina4464 4 роки тому +1

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

    • @ListeningIn
      @ListeningIn  4 роки тому +4

      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...

  • @shekhawat5917
    @shekhawat5917 4 роки тому

    amazing just amazing keep up the good work

  • @madhossein
    @madhossein 3 роки тому

    "Smiling through tears" well said.

  • @bertrandchavarria-aldrete8021
    @bertrandchavarria-aldrete8021 2 роки тому

    ...This is simply brilliant

  • @AngelasMixedMediaArtist
    @AngelasMixedMediaArtist Рік тому

    Beautiful and interesting.

  • @nl1913
    @nl1913 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @gapjin-art
    @gapjin-art Рік тому

    감사합니다
    좋은 영상 잘보았습니다

  • @ricoravioli2306
    @ricoravioli2306 3 роки тому

    Breathtaking

  • @user-xt3ji4yi9g
    @user-xt3ji4yi9g Місяць тому

    Brilliant!!!!!!!!!

  • @techable3425
    @techable3425 4 роки тому

    Very very elegant and very very beautiful

  • @joshuakrienke9001
    @joshuakrienke9001 4 роки тому +1

    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
      @ListeningIn  4 роки тому +1

      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.

  • @user-bf6gz8ej4o
    @user-bf6gz8ej4o 3 роки тому +2

    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
      @katies2199 2 роки тому

      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 ua-cam.com/video/fsz6bkkIHzQ/v-deo.html

    • @user-bf6gz8ej4o
      @user-bf6gz8ej4o 2 роки тому

      @@katies2199 sounds interesting, thank you!

  • @joe-e-geo
    @joe-e-geo 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @sgwinenoob2115
    @sgwinenoob2115 4 роки тому +1

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

    • @ListeningIn
      @ListeningIn  4 роки тому

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

    • @sgwinenoob2115
      @sgwinenoob2115 4 роки тому +2

      @@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
      @sgwinenoob2115 4 роки тому

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

    • @ListeningIn
      @ListeningIn  4 роки тому

      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.

  • @SamTahbou
    @SamTahbou 3 роки тому

    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.

  • @1258-Eckhart
    @1258-Eckhart 3 місяці тому

    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.

  • @jakegearhart
    @jakegearhart 4 роки тому

    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
      @ListeningIn  4 роки тому +1

      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!

  • @yogi2436
    @yogi2436 2 роки тому +1

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

  • @mercedessanmartin4732
    @mercedessanmartin4732 3 роки тому

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

  • @mozznyc
    @mozznyc Рік тому

    Well done, thank you!

  • @artvsmachine3703
    @artvsmachine3703 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @kirtanuum
    @kirtanuum 4 години тому

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

  • @ck7642
    @ck7642 Рік тому

    whoah

  • @savo1599
    @savo1599 2 роки тому

    ❤️‍🔥

  • @T.H.W.O.T.H
    @T.H.W.O.T.H 4 роки тому +8

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

    • @ListeningIn
      @ListeningIn  4 роки тому +1

      I like the last bit + the reveal is excellent

    • @advocate1563
      @advocate1563 3 роки тому +1

      I agree with the quotation. If not the addition.

  • @alexlitill2315
    @alexlitill2315 3 роки тому

    👏👏👏

  • @bookmouse2719
    @bookmouse2719 3 роки тому

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

  • @michaelnewbury2856
    @michaelnewbury2856 2 роки тому

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

  • @matthewwhall9356
    @matthewwhall9356 3 роки тому

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

  • @RyanGreenBlue
    @RyanGreenBlue 4 роки тому +2

    ah yes, Mozart.

  • @nickn2794
    @nickn2794 3 роки тому

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

  • @marilynengle
    @marilynengle Рік тому

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

  • @gardikagigih5704
    @gardikagigih5704 3 роки тому

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

  • @benjamin9901
    @benjamin9901 Рік тому

    I love Rothko but I do not love Mozart. This video makes me want to revisit Mozart.

  • @estel5335
    @estel5335 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @cedarraine7829
    @cedarraine7829 2 місяці тому

    Cy

  • @michaelm5926
    @michaelm5926 3 роки тому

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

    • @BernardVictor
      @BernardVictor 3 роки тому

      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
      @escitalopram15mg61 3 роки тому

      @@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
      @reka_sz0 2 роки тому

      Rothko is kinda sus

    • @aspiknf
      @aspiknf 2 роки тому

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

  • @benjaminenders8762
    @benjaminenders8762 3 роки тому +1

    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.

  • @TheBetttina
    @TheBetttina 2 роки тому

    Rothko art goes perfectly with jazz.

  • @TheBetttina
    @TheBetttina 2 роки тому

    But Rothko liked jazz. And to be honest i dont see his art with Mozart. As much i love both.

  • @paulmitchell5349
    @paulmitchell5349 2 роки тому

    Interesting but weak.

    • @aspiknf
      @aspiknf 2 роки тому

      Rothko's crap ruined Mozart's beautiful music.