The Social Art of Music: Harold Bauer’s Vision for Music-Making

The Social Art of Music - etude-magazine_1931-02_49_2_0011

The Social Art of Music – etude-magazine_1931-02_49_2_0011

In the summer of 1931, Harold Bauer, renowned pianist and educator, delivered a thought-provoking address at the Associated Music Teachers League’s (AMTL) meeting at Wanamaker Auditorium in New York City. Bauer emphasized the communal and social aspects of music-making, urging a return to the spirit of collaboration and shared enjoyment in musical practice.

 

Bauer highlighted that music reaches its fullest potential when experienced as an “artistic communion,” fostering connections between individuals. While acknowledging the personal joys of solitary practice, he stressed the cultural and personal enrichment found in group music-making, whether in intimate gatherings, schools, or broader social settings.

 

Drawing from historical examples, Bauer noted how music served as a cornerstone of cultural life during periods of great artistic flourishing, such as the Elizabethan Court and 18th-century France. He encouraged modern musicians to revive this tradition by forming ensembles and fostering the “amateur spirit,” prioritizing the love of music over technical perfection.

 

The AMTL’s hosting of this discussion reflected its broader mission to blend technical education with music’s role as a social and cultural force. Bauer’s message remains timeless, reminding educators and musicians alike of the joy and unity that music can inspire.

 

This event underscored AMTL’s commitment to advancing music not only as a skill but also as a means of building community and cultural engagement, aligning perfectly with Bauer’s enduring philosophy. By hosting such discussions, AMTL demonstrated its dedication to exploring music’s broader role in society, going beyond technical education to embrace the cultural and communal dimensions of the art form.

 

Source: Etude : the music magazine 1931-02: Vol 49 Iss 2, https://archive.org/details/etude-magazine_1931-02_49_2/page/84/mode/2up