Architects of Western Music

Retaining the same ethos of music Western music is different in nature and character from that of Indian. As admitted, music is a branch of aesthetics that gives expressions to the inner world of human being which, to some extent, is a reflection of outer world too, although in a different essence. In this respect, western music is different from oriental especially Indian.

Climatic conditions influence people and their lives. Consequently the nature of different artistic expression is bound to differ from race to race, country to country and sect to sect. music is no exception to this. Western music is based on the principles of harmony whereas Indian music is based on melody. Through this tract of mine I would make a humble effort to pen down few lines on life and contribution of our western maestros, to the world of music. The constellation of music in the western sky scintillates with a number of stars. The first one to be focused here is Johan Sebastian Bach. His achievements in the field of music procure a name for him in the pages of history.

Bach was born in Eisanach of Germany in 1685 on 21st March and died on 22nd July 1750 at Leipzig of Germany. He was creator of a number of Sonatas, Symphony orchestras, suits, church cantatas, Motets etc. and majority of his compositions are ecclesiast in nature, and hence religion bulks large in them. Having been a votary of music, he dedicated his life in service of music. He became blind during his declining age. A paralytic attack was fatal to him and after a period of invalidity he succumbed to death.

Second star of the constellation is Wolfgang Amedeus Mozart, who was born on the 27th of January in 1756 in Salzburg of Austria. One of the towering musicians of that period, Haydn told Mozart’s father that he had never heard a better music composer than Mozart. It was indeed a great compliment from a celebrated singer. At as early an age as three Mozart started playing music lessons on piano and at five he started becoming famous in all of Europe. The name of his last Opera is “The magic Flute”. Mozart’s music compositions acquired the status of the most popular vogue of the time and became a symbol of honor for all music masters. “Mozart was been only one in the history of music” was the encomium paid to the great musician by a great man like Rozane. What can be a greater éclat for anyone? Musical compositions and symphonic orchestras of Mozart still hold the field. He left for his heavenly abode on the 5th of December 1791 in Vienna.

The third member of the galaxy is Beethoven. Ludwig Van Beethoven was born on 16th of December 1770, in Bonn of Germany. He started taking piano lessons when he was just four years old. At as early as twenty, he became the most accomplished pianist. At this point of time, Beethoven visited Vienna, where his performance mesmerized the people. He brought revolution in the field of music. It was he who first imparted clarity, greater sonority and simplicity to the piano and symphonic orchestra. A great number of quartets, quintets, septets, sonatas, concertos, preludes, symphonies, cantatas, which still retain enthralling power, are attributed to Beethoven. None of his fraternity has outnumbered ever his musical compositions. Beethoven began to loose his hearing somewhere around 1796. This was supposedly because of the high intake of lead. Lead was used to sweeten wine and even in medicines. It was very difficult for him to listen to music and appreciate.

Unfortunately this immortal maestro was rendered confined due to several irrecoverable diseases which led him to his last ride on the 26th of March 1827 at Vienna.

Last but not a less bright star in the constellation is Franz Schubert. Schubert was a specialist in melody. He was born on the 31st of January 1797 at Vienna. He was a son of a school teacher. He was impregnated with promises for music had he been allowed to live his full term.

Unfortunately, this talented music composer dwindled into eternity at the age of thirty one on the 19th of November 1928. Approximately 600 song compositions, fifteen quartets (for string instruments), 8 symphonies were bequeathed to the world of music by Schubert. Schubert as a teenager, initially professed that Austrian music should get rid of German influence, clearly pointing out to Beethoven, but was so impressed later by his music that Schubert made Beethoven is ideal. However, they have never said to have met.

Beethoven was Schubert’s ideal. He worked on the same line as that of his model master. It is an amazing coincidence that his death took place within a period of twenty months of that of Beethoven. His mortal remains are laid beside that of Beethoven. The tombstone erected on Schubert’s grave bears the accolade: “Treasury of Music is buried here”.

Such were the maestros of Western music that they gave a completely new feel of music in the minds of people. The irony is that all these great musicians died at a very young age. Probably, people with genuine genius do not live long.

The creations and compositions of these great western music composers will always remain immortal. There works are going to remain the base of music creations for centuries to come.

Linus Orakles
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