One of the most wonderful aspects of music is its ability to deeply move a person and to transport their mind and soul to vivid new places. Beyond that though, some music has a transcendent quality and seems as though it were inspired by something otherworldly. Such music feels elevated beyond our day-to-day existence -- ethereal, cosmic, and magical. However, this transcendent quality comes across in different ways, depending on the music being played. For example, there is a striking difference between transcendence found in Bach, compared to some of the composers of the Romantic era, such as Brahms.
In particular, I think the transcendent effect produced by Bach comes largely from each individual note, and those notes coming together precisely to form a perfect whole. On the other hand, in much music from the Romantic era – particularly pieces involving an orchestra – this effect comes from the impact of the whole itself.
To demonstrate Bach’s sublimity, I will focus on the Art of Fugue. The main theme begins so simply, and gains intricacy and complexity as it progresses. Even so, the purity and simplicity at its core persists throughout the entire piece, from the beginning. Each note can be heard, startlingly clean, crisp, and deliberate. The timing and tempo too, is so measured and even, contributing to the extreme sense of balance and control. The music comes together like a tapestry, where every note is woven with such detail and precision, in order to form the ornate and perfected entirety of the piece. Within this multitude of closely succeeded notes, each one sounds as though it were exactly where it must be to preserve the delicate, but perfect order and harmony. In the weave of the Art of Fugue, every point is strung together and connected, and all falls into alignment. This is where Bach’s transcendence comes from. Listening to this piece, it seems as though Bach must have known some sacred secret of the universe; understood its sublime, crystalline, and pristine order and symmetry. He captured its solemnity and its simultaneous grandeur and simplicity. Hearing such music is like seeing a wall of darkness slowly transformed into a wall of light, as needle-like beams pierce it, breaking through piece by piece. Each note is a revelatory pinpoint of light; illuminating, enlightening, transcending.
However, not all affecting pieces attain their effectiveness with such clarity, tranquility, and precision. I think that the transcendent quality of much music from the Romantic era is produced by the work as a whole, instead of through particular instances, which can be heard separately as they link up to form a completed picture. Rather than being felt through individual points, the effect of such music comes as from the impact of a wave. The music encompasses the listener, and passes through them. One piece that exhibits this kind of transcendence is Brahms’ second piano concerto, particularly a specific section of the last movement. The music comes in surges of power, energy, and emotion; swaying the listener as they themselves settle into the rhythm of the music, like tall grass is swayed in a strong wind. Pieces need not be so forceful, though in their ability to compel to have an equally remarkable influence. Take the opening of Rachmaninoff’s third piano concerto: the music comes so gently and softly. And yet, it still captures the entirety of a person’s attention and being, enveloping them and captivating them with its ethereal beauty. Listening to such music, it feels as though one’s soul is lifted out of their body and washed up into another realm.
Most of us have experienced the powerful and influential effects that music can have. Furthermore, it – as well as other artforms – also has the ability to transcend everyday life. As we have seen though, this transcendence can be accomplished in a variety of ways. For example, the transcendence of Bach is very different from that of Brahms; however, both are equally remarkable. While we are confined to the mundanities and afflictions of life, there are thankfully these invaluable sources of transcendence to be found, which help us weather the storm and let us have a glimpse at something so much greater and more magnificent.