Among all the artists, I would argue that musicians are the craziest. For example, they have, sadly, been known to be ensnared in drugs and alcohol. Oh, by the way, as a quick reminder, here’s the list of the arts: painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, cinema, theatre and music. It is noticeable that back in the seventies, cinema wasn’t labeled an art yet. At least not in France. It was being considered and there were a lot of talk about it, but it wasn’t yet on the list.
I could write yet another blog about the different ways in which some musician, under the influence, out of their mind and more precisely out of touch with reality, has committed some kind of crazy act. I could. I won’t. Let’s talk instead about the “normal” musicians.
Mozart touched our heart. Have you ever listened to one of his piano concerto, the twenty first one, for example? You will melt in an ocean of soft cloud when you’ve reached the second movement (a concerto usually has three movements). His gentle hand will reach your sweet inner feelings and massage them to perfection. Most of his music will move you one way or the other. That’s the main reason he is famous. He was famous even in his time. Thus it is surprising that he was broke. Yes, the man, the genius Mozart died poor. Why? We’re not exactly sure, but the thinking right now goes towards gambling… And exhaustion. He was always short on funds (from gambling?), and therefore had to work to keep up (which led to exhaustion?). He pulled a little too hard on his physical and mental reserves.
I am mentioning Mozart because he’s accepted as someone who composed music that is easily accessible. You listen to one of his tune and, even if you don’t understand it, it will grab you. And yet, he was in a situation common to musicians: spreading himself too thin. Meaning he was overworked. Which means he burnt out. We could say that he was a bit too confident with his capacity and it got the best of him.
Overwork is a common disease among musician. Here is why: Music is their work, their hobby, their source of social contacts, their income and their passion. It takes every nook and cranny of their life, of their personality, which means that their thoughts have no escape. No wonder that in the twentieth century, musicians went into illicit substance to fly away from their own head. They needed the escape.
Why music in particular has that effect on people? Why does it lead them to the extreme? I have a few answers for these questions. And why is it that audiences adore the music produce by musicians on the brink of collapse? That one too has been nagging me for awhile and I think I can provide a few clues on the subject. Finally, if you are a musician or plan to become a full time one, what can be done to prevent that? Once again, I might have a few pointers for you.
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