Abstract (eng)
Nature has always been a popular topic in literature and the fine arts, even before the romantic era. In these areas, the research of the term nature has been thorough. Unfortunately, this has not been done in the area of music. This is the reason why this academic paper is interested in the understanding of nature found in contemporary popular music. In detail, this paper wants to point out that a romantic understanding of nature in popular music is prevailing.
In a first step, the connection between nature or a romantic understanding of it and art becomes highlighted. Examples taken from literature, the fine arts, as well as from classical music help to underline this thesis. In addition, some romantic concepts like nostalgia, the sublime or the wilderness become discussed, as well. In the following, to prove the thesis correct, eleven musicians taken from four different music genres – country-, folk-, rock-, and pop music – are analysed. The focus of this analysis lies on nature’s influence on the creative work of these chosen artists.
This discussion will lead to the conclusion that regardless of the music genre a musician is thought to belong to, a romantic understanding of nature can be detected in all the musicians’ works. The reasons, however, why this is the case are varying; while, on the one hand, some artists are interested in displaying their strong connection to nature, others, on the other hand, use the current trend of nature awareness to gain publicity. Nevertheless the reason, a romantic idea of nature is present in all the discussed musicians’ works.