[Market Economy Guide] Music and Freedom

Classical music, once employed by royalty, the church, and the nobility, lost its creativity…

The “genius” Mozart broke free on the tide of 19th-century liberalization and flourished

Mozart was called a “musical prodigy.” By the age of four, he could already play the piano, and at five he was playing the violin and even composing his own music. Not only that, from an early age Mozart was a genius who could perfectly perform any piece within 30 minutes, and could accurately write down on sheet music any melody he had heard just once, no matter how complex it was.

Mozart and Freedom

That is why, despite his short life of just 35 years, Mozart was able to compose countless outstanding works across all kinds of genres. But if Mozart had been a musician unable to enjoy freedom, neither his jewel-like serenades and lively marches nor great operas such as The Marriage of Figaro and The Magic Flute would ever have been born.

Originally, Western classical music developed for the purpose of worship in churches, and thus had a strongly religious character. Moreover, around the 18th century, it was common for musicians to be employed by royal courts, churches, or wealthy aristocratic families. As a result, musicians of that era mainly composed or performed church music, and often carried out their musical activities according to the wishes of their employers rather than in the direction they themselves wanted. Consequently, no matter how talented they were, musicians were often treated less as creative artists than as servants, ordered about or looked down upon.

From the Nobility to the Public

Yet in such an age, the musician who freely developed his own musical world and tirelessly created beautiful works was Mozart. Of course, Mozart too at first belonged to a court orchestra and worked as a performer for a paltry salary. But unable to endure a life in which, despite his extraordinary talent, he was constantly treated like a servant, Mozart eventually walked out of the court.

Once freed from kings and nobles, Mozart was able to fully display his genius with a free sensibility, and at last rose to become a supreme musician.

However, Mozart did not leave the court orchestra merely because of his artistic pride or his free-spirited nature. The rapidly changing atmosphere of European society at the time also strongly encouraged his independence. In the late 18th century, European society was undergoing rapid change across the board. Citizens who had accumulated wealth through the Industrial Revolution began criticizing the old social order that had bound them to kings and nobles, and started calling for freedom and equality. This movement also affected the world of music. As a result, Mozart boldly left the court orchestra in order to restore his standing as an artist through economic independence, and was able to give full rein to his genius.

Even “Aristocratic Sports” Such as Horseback Riding Have Become Popular

Among sports as well, there were once events that only the rich and upper classes could enjoy. Horseback riding, golf, and fencing—once called “aristocratic sports”—are representative examples. Recently in Korea, however, even elementary school students have been able to experience such sports through after-school programs.

Likewise, as recently as just 20 to 30 years ago, automobiles and televisions were luxury goods symbolizing the exclusive possessions of the rich, but now they have become necessities found in virtually every household. What, then, is the secret that has enabled ordinary citizens today to enjoy a level of abundance that even the middle class could hardly have imagined in the past?

In societies before the 19th century, the individual was thought to exist for the state, and individual rights were regarded as something granted by kings and governments. But with the emergence of individualism and liberalism, which value individual freedom and rights, individuals were no longer bound by politics or social status and were freed from oppression and burdens imposed by power. As a result, humanity came to enjoy a prosperous life alongside revolutionary advances in science and technology.

The Relationship Between Development and Creativity

Therefore, in a liberal society, the individual is an autonomous and self-reliant agent who has the right to act freely in every aspect of life so long as he or she does not infringe upon the freedom of others. As this individual freedom manifested itself in all areas of society—including politics, economics, science, and the arts—the world after the 19th century was able to achieve creative and innovative progress incomparable to that of earlier eras.

■ Please remember

In the late 18th century, European society was undergoing rapid change across the board. Citizens who had accumulated wealth through the Industrial Revolution began criticizing the old social order that had bound them to kings and nobles, and started calling for freedom and equality. As a result, Mozart boldly left the court orchestra in order to restore his standing as an artist through economic independence, and was able to give full rein to his genius.

Sung-no Choi, President of the Center for Free Enterprise (CFE)

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Original title: [시장경제 길라잡이] 음악과 자유

Author: Sung-no Choi

Date: 2020-08-31

Source: https://www.cfe.org/bbs/bbsDetail.php?cid=column&pn=7&idx=23043