This study attempts to systemize a unitary approach in art, by selecting modern paintings that share common traits with modern music, in which the life patterns of the 20th century is reflected. Since ever art pursues creation of beauty as fundamental...
This study attempts to systemize a unitary approach in art, by selecting modern paintings that share common traits with modern music, in which the life patterns of the 20th century is reflected. Since ever art pursues creation of beauty as fundamental mental activity, both music and art should have many things in common, as artistic activities of human kind. In the case of modern music, it no longer pursues sounds that are pleasant to the ear but reveals vivacity of spirits using multiple human senses. Since every musical piece not only reflects its social background but also relates to topics in other forms of art, it is worth a closer scrutiny. This study aims for a unitary form of education of music and art, suggesting a possibility of its creative potential in developing the mind.
The research method is based on the literary data of former study in this field, including studies of modern music, which, in this study, is defined as music that comes after classical and romantic eras. In terms of the unitary approach to education, the multiple intelligence theory proposed by H. Gardner is employed.
Modern music was an appropriate reaction to its age and reflects the radical changes which separates modernity from its past. Since modern music embodiessuch changes that characterizes our modern world, this study proposes that students are able to understand our current society through a unitary study of music.
In the multiple intelligence theory, Gardner proposes that the musical intelligence is the first to develop among other human abilities, saying that an efficient education in music is possible only through a combined study of music with other fields of human education. The bibliographical research of this study investigates modern music with its relation to periodical traits of modern art. Among many trends of music, this study looks at Impressionism, Expressionism, Primitivism, Neo-classicism, Aleatory Music, and Prepared Piano. In terms of art history, Impressionism, Symbolism, Fauvism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and Pop art are considered.
By looking at each period in music and art, it can be seen that they shared many things in common, with art always leading the way in expressing a new trend.
Based on such common grounds, this study selects and pieces from both modern music and modern art, which can be applied in an organized fashion during class room situations. According to such class plan, students are to learn each composer and artist in relation to the main features of his works, which can induce them to exert their creative imagination. Present study, based on listening to modern music, aims to construct class programs which can spur the creative thinking of the students. However, since a combined class of music and art is conducted on a subjective and individual level, an objective and general analysis of its validity is difficult to make. It is hoped that future studies can directly apply this method in the field and draw more concrete conclusions based on the results.