Pianists and the Rise of the Citizen Artist

“There should be no dividing line between artistic excellence and social consciousness.”—Joseph W. Polisi, The Artist as Citizen

One of the positive things that has gained momentum in the arts during this pandemic has been the rise of Citizen Artists. Socially-conscious Millennials and Get Z artists have prompted musicians of all ages to stop hiding behind the unspoken classical music policy of political non-involvement and begin advocating for the causes they believe in. Through their music, and through their increasingly powerful online presences, musicians everywhere are championing causes as diverse as inclusion, individual rights, the environment, and social justice. As the mask of the aloof classical artist is shattered by these young, vibrant, and passionate players, it’s an exciting time to be a musician.

But while a great number of the pieces and performances emerging from this new paradigm are excellent, many others are not. In a perfect world, all socially relevant music would be high quality. All too often, however, artists seem to be rushing to write, record or perform music that offers little more than inclusion in the approved cause-of-the-day club, not music that will last once something else becomes more relevant.  

One of the worst examples of relevant music gone bad came from an enthusiastic alternative band I heard several years ago who performed original works—all of which were about climate change. While the cause is an admirable one, the music did it no favors. This band isn’t not alone; as I’ve sorted through the socially-conscious compositions and performances that have appeared since, I’ve stumbled on many other cringe-worthy examples of earnestness smashed to bits by the notes of an insipid composition. Every time I encounter another poorly composed (or presented) socially-relevant piece of music, I’m left wondering how to respond to it. If I identify its artistic deficiencies, do I run the risk of being accused of being against the cause being promoted? And no matter how strongly I agree with the message of the music in question, I’m left feeling angry because I sense that had the composition not been in support of a favorite social theme, it never would have seen daylight. I begin to wonder if the musician is simply using a popular cause to gain publicity or get bookings…

A good cause can’t save bad music, but good music can transcend a transitory cause. It’s my opinion that if the choice must be made between musical quality or relevance, musicians have a responsibility to choose quality. Without quality, relevant music slides into the morass of propaganda, and propaganda music (as is evidenced by the dreadful state-promoting music of Nazi Germany or Communist Russia) edifies no one. Those who agree with the cause being promoted will nod and approve of the message; those who disagree will dismiss it (and the music) immediately. Either way, it’s quickly forgotten. 

Some would argue, “it’s for a good cause.” To them, I counter, what honor does it do the cause if the music is substandard? If I am a committed musician who is passionate about a cause, I owe it to that cause to honor it with the best music I’m capable of creating. When we present music that promotes something we care about, it’s critically important that we cull through the less-worthy options and only present quality pieces. To sacrifice quality on the altar of relevance is to do a disservice to the very thing we’re hoping to promote. 

Nina Simone’s Mississippi Goddam; Frederic Rzewski’s The People United Will Never Be Defeated; Darrell Grant’s Step by Step: The Ruby Bridges Suite—these examples (and countless others) prove that social causes and art can be powerful allies. But only if the message is grounded in high quality music. When fine artists marry fierce musicianship and deeply-held political passion, the world will listen. And when people listen things begin to change, because music holds the power to convey relevance and meaning straight to the heart. When hearts change, so do minds. A commitment to anything less is a disservice to music and to social causes.