Franz Schubert: 'One bites into the brass mouthpiece of his wooden cudgel, and the other blows his cheeks out on a French horn. Do you call that Art?'

One bites into the brass mouthpiece of his wooden cudgel, and the other blows his cheeks out on a French horn. Do you call that Art?

In his quote, "One bites into the brass mouthpiece of his wooden cudgel, and the other blows his cheeks out on a French horn. Do you call that Art?", Franz Schubert seems to be questioning the very essence of what constitutes art. On the surface, it appears that Schubert is playing with the idea of musicians using contrasting instruments, one of which seems unconventional, to create something meaningful. He invites his audience to weigh in on whether this can be considered art. However, upon delving deeper, this quote can also be seen as an invitation to explore the concept of perspective in art, challenging our preconceived notions of what it means to create and appreciate beauty.At first glance, Schubert's quote hints at the disparity between different musical instruments, highlighting the unconventional use of a wooden cudgel as a mouthpiece for a brass instrument. The biting action seems to emphasize a sense of rawness and perhaps even discomfort, while the blowing of the cheeks creates a vivid image of effort and intensity. This vivid imagery draws attention to the physicality involved in the act of creating music, reminding us that art is often born out of dedication and hard work.However, Schubert's inquiry goes beyond the literal interpretation of a wooden cudgel and a French horn. It suggests the question of whether art can be defined by the tools or techniques used in its creation. What makes an artistic endeavor truly valuable? Is it the mastery of traditional instruments, or can something extraordinary emerge from unusual combinations? This line of thought opens the door to a philosophical exploration of art as a subjective experience, reliant on personal interpretation and emotional response.By blurring the boundaries between conventional and unconventional instruments, Schubert challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of art. This concept of pushing boundaries and embracing the unexpected is not confined to music alone - it applies to all forms of artistic expression. From painting and sculpture to literature and dance, artists throughout history have constantly sought to break free from the norms and push the boundaries of creativity. Just as the cubists shattered the traditional conventions of representation or the surrealists delved into the depths of the human psyche, unconventional approaches often lead to groundbreaking discoveries and new forms of artistic expression.In embracing the unexpected, Schubert's quote also encourages us to consider the role of perception in art. The wooden cudgel and the French horn, despite their differences, can be seen as representations of contrasting perspectives. One bites, suggesting an element of aggression or force, while the other blows, evoking a sense of gentle release. In art, as in life, how we perceive and interpret an artistic creation is deeply influenced by our own experiences, emotions, and biases. What may be perceived as cacophony to some can be beautifully harmonious to others. This plurality of perception adds depth and richness to the artistic landscape, inviting diverse perspectives and challenging the notion of a singular truth in art.In conclusion, Franz Schubert's quote encompasses more than a playful juxtaposition of musical instruments. It invites us to rethink the very nature of art, urging us to question conventional norms and appreciate the unexpected. By suggesting that beauty and meaning can arise from unconventional combinations, he reminds us of the significance of pushing boundaries and embracing diverse perspectives. Ultimately, Schubert's quote serves as a poignant reminder that art, in its multifaceted and ever-evolving nature, defies clear-cut definitions and invites each individual to find their own meaning within it.