Beauty in Ambiguity: On Marian Anderson’s Lifelong Love For Schubert
When you’re young, or not so young, and strongly drawn to a genre of music, a certain composer, a particular piece, it’s often hard to explain why, even to yourself. This may be especially true of music unfamiliar to you..
The article begins by exploring the idea that people often struggle to explain why they are drawn to a particular type of music, composer, or piece, especially if it is unfamiliar to them. This difficulty arises because music can evoke emotions and thoughts that are hard to put into words. The concept of ambiguity in this context refers to the multiple possible meanings or interpretations that a piece of music can have, leaving listeners with a sense of openness rather than a single, clear message. For example, a song might sound joyful to one listener and melancholic to another, depending on their personal experiences. The article suggests that this ambiguity is not a flaw but a strength, as it allows music to resonate deeply with individuals in different ways. Marian Anderson, the subject of the article, is described as someone who embraced this ambiguity in her lifelong love for the music of Franz Schubert, a composer known for his emotionally complex works.
Marian Anderson (1897–1993) was an African American contralto singer who became one of the most celebrated vocalists of the 20th century. Her career spanned over five decades, during which she performed in major concert halls worldwide, including a historic 1939 concert at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., after being denied access to the Daughters of the American Revolution's Constitution Hall due to racial segregation. Anderson's love for the music of Franz Schubert (1797–1828), an Austrian composer, is highlighted as a defining aspect of her artistic identity. Schubert is renowned for his lieder, a German term for art songs that combine poetry with music, often exploring themes of love, nature, and longing. Anderson's preference for Schubert's works, which are known for their lyrical melodies and emotional depth, reflects her own ability to convey profound emotion through her singing. The article suggests that her connection to Schubert's music was not just professional but deeply personal, shaping her artistic choices throughout her life.
Franz Schubert's compositions, particularly his lieder, are noted for their emotional complexity and ambiguity. Unlike some composers who write music with clear, straightforward emotions, Schubert often blends joy and sorrow, hope and despair, in the same piece. For example, his song Der Erlkönig (The Erlking), composed in 1815, tells a dark and dramatic story of a father racing through the night with his sick child, pursued by a supernatural being. The music shifts between tense, urgent passages and eerie, otherworldly sounds, creating a sense of unease and ambiguity. Schubert's use of modulation, a technique where the music shifts from one key to another, adds to the emotional unpredictability of his works. This ambiguity allowed Anderson to interpret Schubert's music in ways that resonated with her own experiences, including the challenges she faced as a Black woman in a racially segregated society. The article implies that Schubert's emotional depth made his music a natural fit for Anderson's expressive and introspective singing style.
The article emphasizes that Marian Anderson's lifelong love for Schubert's music was not merely a professional preference but a form of personal expression. Anderson often spoke about how music helped her navigate the complexities of her life, including the racial discrimination she encountered. Schubert's ambiguous and emotionally layered compositions provided her with a medium to convey feelings that were difficult to articulate otherwise. For instance, in performances of Schubert's Ave Maria, Anderson could express both reverence and sorrow, reflecting the dualities of her own life—her triumphs as an artist and the injustices she faced. The article suggests that Anderson's ability to connect with Schubert's music on such a deep level was a testament to her artistic sensitivity and resilience. Her performances were not just musical renditions but acts of emotional and intellectual engagement, where the ambiguity of the music allowed her to explore and communicate her own identity and experiences.
The article concludes by reflecting on the broader significance of Marian Anderson's relationship with Schubert's music. It suggests that her lifelong love for Schubert's ambiguous and emotionally complex works highlights the power of music to transcend personal and societal boundaries. Anderson's career, which began in the early 20th century and spanned decades, coincided with major social and political changes, including the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Her performances, particularly her 1939 concert at the Lincoln Memorial, became symbols of resistance and hope. The article implies that Anderson's embrace of Schubert's music—with its inherent ambiguity—mirrored her own journey as an artist who challenged conventions and inspired others. By choosing to perform Schubert's works, Anderson not only celebrated his genius but also used music as a tool for social and emotional expression, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate with audiences today.
