Strains on Visual and Performing Arts

CHAPTERS 11 AND 13
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Reading chapters 11 and 13 has been quite an education for me in various aspects of visual and performing arts. The chapters largely dwell on the genres I have mentioned, especially during the Cold War era. To be specific, the chapters broadly outline the strains associated with visual and performing arts. For example, chapter 13 casts the spotlight on Aaron Copland, a performing artist who received the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in 1945. Alongside other musicians of the time, Copland had helped engineer the populist style, and prospects looked absolutely promising. However, as is still the case today, despite his growing popularity, Copland had to contend with undue criticism and opposition from his detractors and rivals. In addition, how the unfolding political events influence the compositions and popularity of artists. As everyone can recall, the Cold War was marked by the fear of communism. This defined artistic works to a considerable extent. On the other hand, chapter 11 highlights the influence of prevailing circumstances on artists. For example, many musicians in the mid-20th century produced music that portrayed the period as an unquestionably terrible time. It goes without saying that some of those musicians, including Gyorgy Ligeti, had witnessed death in close proximity. That notwithstanding