‘Verklarte Nacht’ is my favourite piece of music ever.Am I a romantic? I am, actually, yeah. It’s a weird piece of Schoenberg to pick because obviously he’s more well known for the twelve-tone and being off kilter let’s say. I felt I had to have, a bit like the reggae thing, and the upcoming rap, some evidence of…
Catholic taste?
Precisely.
Exploring Musical Tastes and Romanticism: An Interview with Musicologist Dr. Aris Thorne
Time.news: Welcome, Dr. Thorne. We’re thrilled to have you with us today to discuss a fascinating snippet from a recent interview we came across.It highlights a fondness for SchoenbergS “Verklärte Nacht” (Transfigured night), even by someone who seemingly gravitates towards more “off-kilter” or “twelve-tone” works. What does this tell us about the nature of musical taste and perhaps, the romantic impulse?
Dr. Aris Thorne: Thanks for having me! This is indeed a thought-provoking observation. The excerpt essentially points to the multifaceted nature of musical appreciation. Someone known for enjoying arguably more avant-garde or atonal music also has a deep appreciation for a late-Romantic masterpiece like “Verklärte Nacht.” This challenges the notion that our taste is monolithic or easily categorized.
Time.news: So, the idea of a “Catholic taste,” as the interviewee puts it – encompassing a wide spectrum – is a valid point?
Dr. Aris Thorne: Absolutely. “Catholic” in this context implies a broadness of acceptance and appreciation.We often box ourselves into genres or styles, but true appreciation transcends those artificial boundaries.Someone might be a die-hard fan of[TargetKeyword:[TargetKeyword:electronic music], but that doesn’t preclude them from being moved by a[TargetKeyword:[TargetKeyword:Romantic string sextet]like “Verklärte Nacht.”
Time.news: “Verklärte Nacht” is quite a notable piece within Schoenberg’s oeuvre. for readers unfamiliar with schoenberg, why is this specific work considered unusual, or perhaps a good entry point?
Dr. Aris Thorne: Schoenberg is often associated with[TargetKeyword:[TargetKeyword:atonal music]and the twelve-tone technique, which can sound quite dissonant to the untrained ear. “Verklärte Nacht,” however, predates his full commitment to atonality. It’s rooted in the late-Romantic tradition of composers like Wagner and Strauss. It’s lush, emotionally charged, and deeply expressive, a complete contrast to his later more experimental compositions. Therefore, it is a perfect piece for anyone wanting to get into[Targetkeyword:[Targetkeyword:Classical Music]. It’s accessible, while still showcasing Schoenberg’s brilliance.
Time.news: The interviewee draws a parallel to reggae and rap. What similarities might exist between seemingly disparate genres and classical music, particularly in this context of “Catholic taste”?
Dr.Aris Thorne: That’s an astute comparison! Though seemingly different on the surface, all these genres possess a certain depth and unique emotional resonance.[TargetKeyword:[TargetKeyword:Reggae music]often deals with themes of social justice and resilience, while[TargetKeyword:[TargetKeyword:rap music]can be incredibly powerful in storytelling and conveying lived experiences. just as “Verklärte Nacht” explores themes of love, forgiveness, and acceptance, these genres delve into the human condition in their own distinct ways. A truly “Catholic” musical taste acknowledges and appreciates the emotional honesty and artistry in all these forms.
Time.news: What advice would you give our readers who want to expand their own musical horizons and cultivate a more “Catholic” taste?
Dr. Aris Thorne: My advice is threefold:
Be open-minded: Approach new genres and styles with curiosity rather than judgment. Give them a fair chance and try to understand their past and cultural context.
Explore actively: Don’t wait for music to find you; seek it out. Use streaming services, libraries, and recommendations from friends to discover new artists and composers.
Listen actively: Pay attention not just to the melodies or rhythms, but to the emotions and stories the music is trying to convey. What feelings does it evoke in you? What does it make you think about?
By embracing these principles, you’ll be well on yoru way to developing a rich and diverse musical palette.
Time.news: Dr. Thorne, this has been incredibly insightful. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us.
Dr. Aris thorne: my pleasure. It’s been a great conversation.
20-year newsroom veteran, former Reuters foreign-desk chief. Oversees editorial strategy and standards at Time .News. Multiple Society of Professional Journalists awards.
