Interview Summary
The participant chose to discuss Symphony No. 9 by Gustav Mahler, which is his last symphony, written when he was very sick. There are themes of death, emotional turbulence, and the meaning of life in this piece. It was cathartic for the participant to study and analyze the complex piece. They were going through a hard time when they found it; this symphony helped them process their emotions and come to the realization that it was going to be okay. It reinforced their belief that life happens and eventually everyone dies, but it also reminded them that all they can do is come to terms with that and try to make something of their life. While the participant tends to be more pessimistic about the meaning of life, they desire to believe in a deeper meaning, and hearing this piece encouraged them to be more open to the possibility that there is meaning to existence. It also led them to contemplate their authentic self, and who they truly are.
Interview Transcript
Introduction
Interviewer: Okay, so we can go ahead and start. We're going to focus on your interaction with a particular artwork that somebody else created. So I know that you've already chosen your artwork. But could you tell me what it is?
Participant: I'll do Mahler's Symphony Number 2.
Interviewer: Okay? And then. yeah, this may be a little bit more challenging. But could you share the artwork in some way? It could be like through a screen share or you could just email.
Participant: Okay.
Interviewer: great. Thank you. And then could you describe this for me? Could you tell me a little bit about the important details?
Participant: Hmm. Yeah. Well. actually, I-I'm sorry can I. Can I do a different one.
Interviewer: Yeah, yeah, sure. Yeah, No problem.
Description
Participant: Okay, so this is symphony Number 9. Okay. So over here it starts. It starts with the slow introduction. and there's this first 2 there's a 3 note Motif passed around the chellos and the horns and the harp. and it- the first movement kind of sounds like Wc. And the main- The main theme starts in these descending seconds in the strings. And should I talk about like the specific details that's happening? Or should I talk about the whole movement?
Interviewer: You can choose to focus on whatever you would like to. So basically, whatever you think are the important details to share.
Participant: Okay. Well, in this movement, the main theme is level motive, like a farewell motive. And so that starts around- around here. And so that's the- So that's what builds the movement, and it’s what gives it that like hard, string tugging sort of feeling. and the first climax of the of the movement is. I don't know measured numbers, but it's around measure 39 which, and it's just a syncopated version of the previous of the previous farewell motive. and it's just. It gets more turbulent and violent until the main theme returns in D major. and the violence. and, and this is the closing section which is in B flat major of the Exposition. then. So this. So this coda is. is probably my favorite part of this movement, and it's characterized as like dying in a way. And it says. like “morendo” here, which means dying. and the harmonic rhythm is really slow throughout this coda. and the second theme, which is in the trumpet it which is, let's see if they trump a motif which previously was a sup-, was supposed to indicate chaos and violence. It gets reconstructed into this beautiful melody here in the horns over here. and the farewell Motif, Motif from the beginning is played one last time in the violins, and then everything just kind of dies away. So that's the first movement. I could talk about the other movements as well. But I think the first movement is my favorite.
Why did you choose this one? (Specialness)
Interviewer: Great. Thank you. Yeah, Thank you for that. And can you tell me. Why did you choose to talk about this, this piece for this study?
Participant: Well, I know most about this piece, and this is out of, as compared to other other symphonies, and Mahler is my favorite composer, so I have a lot of interest in his works. And this is also his last symphony. His last. Yeah, this was his last symphony.
Meaningfulness
What about this piece is meaningful or distinguishing when compared to others?
Interviewer: Thank you. Yeah. And then is there something about this type of art form symphonies, or composing that's meaningful or distinguishing for you, compared to other art forms.
Participant: I think, because, like, there's a lot that can be- It's easy to, like, be present in the moment when the art works being performed as opposed to visual art by chance. I mean you're still observed with visual, or you're still observing it and being present in the moment, but it's- it's not- it doesn't- It's not- I don't find it to be as engaging as if I was sitting with a whole auditory experience around me. and with music, music's able to manipulate my sense of time and my reality, and i'm able to- and I find that it heightens whatever emotions that i'm feeling at the time, and really brings to the surface.
Process of interacting
What led up to the interaction? What motivated you to explore this piece?
Interviewer: Thank you. So now, please tell me about the experience and process of interacting with this piece. So what led up to the interaction with this piece? What motivated you to explore it?
Participant: Well, since Mahler is my favorite composer, I try. I've tried to listen to all of the symphonies, and so I was listening to them one by one, and they said, this is the last one. So this is the most recent one that I've listened to and studied.
Was there something that was intended to be expressed through this piece?
Interviewer: And then do you think that there was something that wanted or needed to be expressed through this piece.
Participant: Yeah, from at least from Mahler's perspective, he- a lot- Well, a lot of historians think that this was his. He was already pretty sick when he was composing this. So- and so the many themes of death and decay and emotional turbulence that goes on this piece like a lot of people think that that was him trying to come to terms with his death. and like processing what life means, and and saying goodbye. So that- so that's a- that's a purpose from the composer's perspective. And what I was listening to this I was. I was going through a pretty hard time, so it- it also helped me to process a lot of things.
When/Where did the interaction of this piece happen? Was anyone else involved?
Interviewer: Thank you. And then could you talk a little bit about when and where the experience of interacting with this piece happened, and was anybody else involved besides you?
Participant: It was just me, and it was pretty recently, a couple of months ago, actually. and I was just listening to it on Youtube. and I also need. I was also writing a paper on Mahler, so I was also analyzing this from an academic perspective. but also for myself as well.
What were you thinking and feeling at different times throughout the process of interacting with the artwork?
Interviewer: And then could you talk a little bit about what you were thinking and feeling at different times throughout the process of interacting with this piece.
Participant: Yeah. Well, when I started it was I was very curious and excited because I hadn't heard the smaller symphony before, and I was excited to experience this one. And throughout the piece I was similar for a lot of Mahler's pieces. It's it's hard to comprehend it at first, because there's so much going on, and and there's so many so so many layers that's hard to hard to digest at first. So it was pretty overwhelming. But then, when I, so like the second or third time going through it and listening to it and analyzing it. I was able to decipher the pieces and and understand what. what each part contributes to the entire picture. and then at the end, when I was finished listening to it, I was pretty satisfied, because I was a like just listening to this piece and trying to understand it. Pretty big endeavor, and and I at least, had tried it, attempted it and made it through. So it's pretty proud of myself. And I felt cathartic, in a way. because I had. because also listening to the piece and knowing what it meant, possibly meant to Mahler, and reflecting on what my current state was at the time. and processing those emotions. While I was listening to this piece. it was pretty cathartic to reach the end.
Can you describe any high points, low points or challenges, or turning points along the way?
Interviewer: Thank you. And then, could you describe any high points, low points, or challenges, or turning points in your interaction with this piece?
Participant: I guess the challenges are like what I said before about trying to- trying to understand it at first, when it's when it's really hard to understand, because the piece is so dense and complicated and and difficult to understand at first that was a big challenge I faced. The high point was definitely at the end. When I was finished with everything. finished listening to it, and finished analyzing it. With low point. I think the low point, the low points kind of coincided with the challenges, just feeling overwhelmed.
Let’s talk about the impact of the artwork on you and your life.
What did you learn from the process of interacting with the artwork? Did you learn anything about yourself?
Interviewer: Thank you. And let's talk a little bit about the impact of this piece on you and your life. So what did you learn from the process of interacting with this piece. Did you learn anything about yourself?
Participant: I don't think I learned anything new about myself, but I was mainly processing the emotions that I was feeling, trying to understand it, and trying to make sense of all these existential emotions that I was already feeling, and it was heightened by listening to this piece. So I didn't learn, I didn't. There was nothing conclusive that I learned about myself other than that this piece it did affect me, and that, also that, oh I guess there is one thing I- I realized that whatever I was going through it was probably going to be okay? And I think that's what are the messages that Mahler was trying to convey? Yeah.
Do you think that the artists intended the work to affect others or the world in any particular ways?
Interviewer: yeah, that actually leads kind of perfectly into the next question is, did you? Do you think the composer intended for this work to affect others or the world in any particular ways?
Participant: Hmm. I think it definitely. He definitely intended it to affect the people that he loved. to show that to show how much he loved them, and how much he he would be sad if he wasn't with them anymore. I'm not sure about his intentions for a greater audience. but but it is, I think, because he he intended, He wanted this piece to be something to the people he loved. Listeners can tap into that and make it into a personal experience
Did your experience with the artwork affect your understand of others or “the world”?
Interviewer: Great. And then, did your experience with this piece affect your understanding of others or the world?
Participant: Hmm. Hmm. I think it reinforced beliefs that I already have just that, Or beliefs that I want to have, just that life happens, and then and you eventually die. And you just have to, You just have to do your best to come to terms with that, and try to make something of that if you want. Which is what Mahler did. Which is what I would also like to do too
When some people think about themselves, they see parts of themselves as deeply true, real, or authentic.
If this idea resonates with you, did you learn anything about your true nature during the process of interacting with the artwork? Did you have any insights about your own authentic (or inauthentic) self?
Interviewer: Great. Thank you. This next prompt is a little bit longer, so i'll just go ahead and read it. So when some people think about themselves, they see some parts of themselves as deeply true, real, or authentic. If this idea resonates with you, did you learn anything about your true nature during the process of interacting with this piece? And did you have any insights about your own authentic or inauthentic self?
Participant: Hmm. I don't believe that. Alright, actually, could you repeat the question one more time.
Interviewer: Yeah. So, some people see parts of themselves as deeply true, real, or authentic. If this idea resonates with you, did you learn anything about your true nature during the process of interacting with this piece. Did you have any insights into your own authentic or inauthentic self?
Participant: I think I do resonate with that because out of fear that if my I, my myself, is not true and authentic, then it's hard for me to grasp what really is, and I'm really the only thing that I know that that I would that I know is true. And throughout this piece I think there was, I think I could sense conflict between my authentic self, and then my inauthentic self, as they're trying to figure out well, as I'm trying to figure out which one really is my true self. And oh, yeah. and especially with this piece being so concerned with mortality and affecting me and me being concerned with my mortality. Like, trying to understand my authentic, and inauthentic selves.
Interviewer: You wanted to say more about the last question about the authentic and inauthentic self?
Participant: I guess just, I could feel that my conflict with each other. and there wasn't a resolution, but this piece definitely brought that to the surface.
Some people believe in ultimate meaning. This is defined as deep, underlying meaning that transcends subjective personal meaning. It is about the nature of existence and identity, and it may include ideas about the significance of suffering as well as spirituality.
If this idea resonates with you, did you learn anything about ultimate meaning during the process of interacting with the artwork?
Interviewer: Great. Thank you. And then, so some people believe in ultimate meaning. This is defined as deep underlying meeting that transcends subjective personal meaning. It is about the nature of existence and identity, and it may include ideas about the significance of suffering as well as spirituality. If this idea resonates with you, did you learn anything about ultimate meaning? During the process of interacting with this piece?
Participant: I I learned, I think I learned what alternate meaning means to the, means to Mahler, and how he perceived his life, and his meaning, and his death. and it, and observing that, like I, I I want to believe what he, what he believes his existence means. But, I've always, I've always rejected the idea of deeper meaning and significance in existence. But, I think listening to the piece. But, but the thing is, I I want to believe in it, and I want to believe that there is deeper meaning to my existence and everybody's existence. And I know a lot of people channel that through art. But, even though I am an artist I can't help but think that people just live, and then and then they die, and nothing they do on the earth really matters to the universe. It just matters that to them when they were alive. Which is very pessimistic, and I don't want to believe in that. And so, listening to the piece, and and seeing what Mahler believes, it definitely gets me more optimistic, and and think of the possibility that there is meaning to existence. But, but I don't think one piece can change that for me.
Some people believe or perceive a reality beyond the physical or material world. This may include religious beliefs/experiences (such as perceived interactions with God) but also may include mystical or transcendent experiences, or interaction with spirits.
Did you have any kind of these experiences during the interaction with the artwork?
Interviewer: great, and then it so, some people believe or perceive a reality beyond the physical or material world. This may include religious beliefs and experiences. But, may also include mystical or transcendent experiences or interactions with spirits. Did you have any of these kinds of experiences during your interaction with this piece?
Participant: Hmm. I have had those experiences that those before, not with this piece, I think, because I was listening to it online, the scope of what I would feel was limited. Whereas if I had heard it live, like I've heard other Mahler’s symphonies live, and I definitely get closer to those kinds of experiences.
How old were you when you first interacted with the piece?
Interviewer: Thank you. So, I just have a few shorter follow-up questions.How old were you when you first interacted with this piece?
Participant: 22.
How do you perceive the quality of the work?
Interviewer: And then, how do you perceive the quality of this work?
Participant: Very good.
What was going on in your own life around the time you interacted with this piece?
Interviewer: And then, would you like to talk a little bit about what was going on in your own life around the time that you interacted with this piece?
Participant: Well, I was about to be done with undergrad. And I was. It was just a very uncertain time, because I didn't know if I was going to be able to graduate, If I was going to be able to go to grad school. I wasn't sure what I'm going to be doing in the next couple of months, let alone a couple of years. And, I didn't know if I would, should continue being a musician, and I didn't know what music meant to me. And I was also on the verge of failing classes, and and my mental health was really poor, like due to all this, and just like regular chronic depression. So, that was all going on when I was listening to this piece.
Interviewer: Yes, thank you for sharing so, and thank you so much, for the interview, and for sharing all of your different experiences.
The participant chose to discuss Symphony No. 9 by Gustav Mahler, which is his last symphony, written when he was very sick. There are themes of death, emotional turbulence, and the meaning of life in this piece. It was cathartic for the participant to study and analyze the complex piece. They were going through a hard time when they found it; this symphony helped them process their emotions and come to the realization that it was going to be okay. It reinforced their belief that life happens and eventually everyone dies, but it also reminded them that all they can do is come to terms with that and try to make something of their life. While the participant tends to be more pessimistic about the meaning of life, they desire to believe in a deeper meaning, and hearing this piece encouraged them to be more open to the possibility that there is meaning to existence. It also led them to contemplate their authentic self, and who they truly are.
Interview Transcript
Introduction
Interviewer: Okay, so we can go ahead and start. We're going to focus on your interaction with a particular artwork that somebody else created. So I know that you've already chosen your artwork. But could you tell me what it is?
Participant: I'll do Mahler's Symphony Number 2.
Interviewer: Okay? And then. yeah, this may be a little bit more challenging. But could you share the artwork in some way? It could be like through a screen share or you could just email.
Participant: Okay.
Interviewer: great. Thank you. And then could you describe this for me? Could you tell me a little bit about the important details?
Participant: Hmm. Yeah. Well. actually, I-I'm sorry can I. Can I do a different one.
Interviewer: Yeah, yeah, sure. Yeah, No problem.
Description
Participant: Okay, so this is symphony Number 9. Okay. So over here it starts. It starts with the slow introduction. and there's this first 2 there's a 3 note Motif passed around the chellos and the horns and the harp. and it- the first movement kind of sounds like Wc. And the main- The main theme starts in these descending seconds in the strings. And should I talk about like the specific details that's happening? Or should I talk about the whole movement?
Interviewer: You can choose to focus on whatever you would like to. So basically, whatever you think are the important details to share.
Participant: Okay. Well, in this movement, the main theme is level motive, like a farewell motive. And so that starts around- around here. And so that's the- So that's what builds the movement, and it’s what gives it that like hard, string tugging sort of feeling. and the first climax of the of the movement is. I don't know measured numbers, but it's around measure 39 which, and it's just a syncopated version of the previous of the previous farewell motive. and it's just. It gets more turbulent and violent until the main theme returns in D major. and the violence. and, and this is the closing section which is in B flat major of the Exposition. then. So this. So this coda is. is probably my favorite part of this movement, and it's characterized as like dying in a way. And it says. like “morendo” here, which means dying. and the harmonic rhythm is really slow throughout this coda. and the second theme, which is in the trumpet it which is, let's see if they trump a motif which previously was a sup-, was supposed to indicate chaos and violence. It gets reconstructed into this beautiful melody here in the horns over here. and the farewell Motif, Motif from the beginning is played one last time in the violins, and then everything just kind of dies away. So that's the first movement. I could talk about the other movements as well. But I think the first movement is my favorite.
Why did you choose this one? (Specialness)
Interviewer: Great. Thank you. Yeah, Thank you for that. And can you tell me. Why did you choose to talk about this, this piece for this study?
Participant: Well, I know most about this piece, and this is out of, as compared to other other symphonies, and Mahler is my favorite composer, so I have a lot of interest in his works. And this is also his last symphony. His last. Yeah, this was his last symphony.
Meaningfulness
What about this piece is meaningful or distinguishing when compared to others?
Interviewer: Thank you. Yeah. And then is there something about this type of art form symphonies, or composing that's meaningful or distinguishing for you, compared to other art forms.
Participant: I think, because, like, there's a lot that can be- It's easy to, like, be present in the moment when the art works being performed as opposed to visual art by chance. I mean you're still observed with visual, or you're still observing it and being present in the moment, but it's- it's not- it doesn't- It's not- I don't find it to be as engaging as if I was sitting with a whole auditory experience around me. and with music, music's able to manipulate my sense of time and my reality, and i'm able to- and I find that it heightens whatever emotions that i'm feeling at the time, and really brings to the surface.
Process of interacting
What led up to the interaction? What motivated you to explore this piece?
Interviewer: Thank you. So now, please tell me about the experience and process of interacting with this piece. So what led up to the interaction with this piece? What motivated you to explore it?
Participant: Well, since Mahler is my favorite composer, I try. I've tried to listen to all of the symphonies, and so I was listening to them one by one, and they said, this is the last one. So this is the most recent one that I've listened to and studied.
Was there something that was intended to be expressed through this piece?
Interviewer: And then do you think that there was something that wanted or needed to be expressed through this piece.
Participant: Yeah, from at least from Mahler's perspective, he- a lot- Well, a lot of historians think that this was his. He was already pretty sick when he was composing this. So- and so the many themes of death and decay and emotional turbulence that goes on this piece like a lot of people think that that was him trying to come to terms with his death. and like processing what life means, and and saying goodbye. So that- so that's a- that's a purpose from the composer's perspective. And what I was listening to this I was. I was going through a pretty hard time, so it- it also helped me to process a lot of things.
When/Where did the interaction of this piece happen? Was anyone else involved?
Interviewer: Thank you. And then could you talk a little bit about when and where the experience of interacting with this piece happened, and was anybody else involved besides you?
Participant: It was just me, and it was pretty recently, a couple of months ago, actually. and I was just listening to it on Youtube. and I also need. I was also writing a paper on Mahler, so I was also analyzing this from an academic perspective. but also for myself as well.
What were you thinking and feeling at different times throughout the process of interacting with the artwork?
Interviewer: And then could you talk a little bit about what you were thinking and feeling at different times throughout the process of interacting with this piece.
Participant: Yeah. Well, when I started it was I was very curious and excited because I hadn't heard the smaller symphony before, and I was excited to experience this one. And throughout the piece I was similar for a lot of Mahler's pieces. It's it's hard to comprehend it at first, because there's so much going on, and and there's so many so so many layers that's hard to hard to digest at first. So it was pretty overwhelming. But then, when I, so like the second or third time going through it and listening to it and analyzing it. I was able to decipher the pieces and and understand what. what each part contributes to the entire picture. and then at the end, when I was finished listening to it, I was pretty satisfied, because I was a like just listening to this piece and trying to understand it. Pretty big endeavor, and and I at least, had tried it, attempted it and made it through. So it's pretty proud of myself. And I felt cathartic, in a way. because I had. because also listening to the piece and knowing what it meant, possibly meant to Mahler, and reflecting on what my current state was at the time. and processing those emotions. While I was listening to this piece. it was pretty cathartic to reach the end.
Can you describe any high points, low points or challenges, or turning points along the way?
Interviewer: Thank you. And then, could you describe any high points, low points, or challenges, or turning points in your interaction with this piece?
Participant: I guess the challenges are like what I said before about trying to- trying to understand it at first, when it's when it's really hard to understand, because the piece is so dense and complicated and and difficult to understand at first that was a big challenge I faced. The high point was definitely at the end. When I was finished with everything. finished listening to it, and finished analyzing it. With low point. I think the low point, the low points kind of coincided with the challenges, just feeling overwhelmed.
Let’s talk about the impact of the artwork on you and your life.
What did you learn from the process of interacting with the artwork? Did you learn anything about yourself?
Interviewer: Thank you. And let's talk a little bit about the impact of this piece on you and your life. So what did you learn from the process of interacting with this piece. Did you learn anything about yourself?
Participant: I don't think I learned anything new about myself, but I was mainly processing the emotions that I was feeling, trying to understand it, and trying to make sense of all these existential emotions that I was already feeling, and it was heightened by listening to this piece. So I didn't learn, I didn't. There was nothing conclusive that I learned about myself other than that this piece it did affect me, and that, also that, oh I guess there is one thing I- I realized that whatever I was going through it was probably going to be okay? And I think that's what are the messages that Mahler was trying to convey? Yeah.
Do you think that the artists intended the work to affect others or the world in any particular ways?
Interviewer: yeah, that actually leads kind of perfectly into the next question is, did you? Do you think the composer intended for this work to affect others or the world in any particular ways?
Participant: Hmm. I think it definitely. He definitely intended it to affect the people that he loved. to show that to show how much he loved them, and how much he he would be sad if he wasn't with them anymore. I'm not sure about his intentions for a greater audience. but but it is, I think, because he he intended, He wanted this piece to be something to the people he loved. Listeners can tap into that and make it into a personal experience
Did your experience with the artwork affect your understand of others or “the world”?
Interviewer: Great. And then, did your experience with this piece affect your understanding of others or the world?
Participant: Hmm. Hmm. I think it reinforced beliefs that I already have just that, Or beliefs that I want to have, just that life happens, and then and you eventually die. And you just have to, You just have to do your best to come to terms with that, and try to make something of that if you want. Which is what Mahler did. Which is what I would also like to do too
When some people think about themselves, they see parts of themselves as deeply true, real, or authentic.
If this idea resonates with you, did you learn anything about your true nature during the process of interacting with the artwork? Did you have any insights about your own authentic (or inauthentic) self?
Interviewer: Great. Thank you. This next prompt is a little bit longer, so i'll just go ahead and read it. So when some people think about themselves, they see some parts of themselves as deeply true, real, or authentic. If this idea resonates with you, did you learn anything about your true nature during the process of interacting with this piece? And did you have any insights about your own authentic or inauthentic self?
Participant: Hmm. I don't believe that. Alright, actually, could you repeat the question one more time.
Interviewer: Yeah. So, some people see parts of themselves as deeply true, real, or authentic. If this idea resonates with you, did you learn anything about your true nature during the process of interacting with this piece. Did you have any insights into your own authentic or inauthentic self?
Participant: I think I do resonate with that because out of fear that if my I, my myself, is not true and authentic, then it's hard for me to grasp what really is, and I'm really the only thing that I know that that I would that I know is true. And throughout this piece I think there was, I think I could sense conflict between my authentic self, and then my inauthentic self, as they're trying to figure out well, as I'm trying to figure out which one really is my true self. And oh, yeah. and especially with this piece being so concerned with mortality and affecting me and me being concerned with my mortality. Like, trying to understand my authentic, and inauthentic selves.
Interviewer: You wanted to say more about the last question about the authentic and inauthentic self?
Participant: I guess just, I could feel that my conflict with each other. and there wasn't a resolution, but this piece definitely brought that to the surface.
Some people believe in ultimate meaning. This is defined as deep, underlying meaning that transcends subjective personal meaning. It is about the nature of existence and identity, and it may include ideas about the significance of suffering as well as spirituality.
If this idea resonates with you, did you learn anything about ultimate meaning during the process of interacting with the artwork?
Interviewer: Great. Thank you. And then, so some people believe in ultimate meaning. This is defined as deep underlying meeting that transcends subjective personal meaning. It is about the nature of existence and identity, and it may include ideas about the significance of suffering as well as spirituality. If this idea resonates with you, did you learn anything about ultimate meaning? During the process of interacting with this piece?
Participant: I I learned, I think I learned what alternate meaning means to the, means to Mahler, and how he perceived his life, and his meaning, and his death. and it, and observing that, like I, I I want to believe what he, what he believes his existence means. But, I've always, I've always rejected the idea of deeper meaning and significance in existence. But, I think listening to the piece. But, but the thing is, I I want to believe in it, and I want to believe that there is deeper meaning to my existence and everybody's existence. And I know a lot of people channel that through art. But, even though I am an artist I can't help but think that people just live, and then and then they die, and nothing they do on the earth really matters to the universe. It just matters that to them when they were alive. Which is very pessimistic, and I don't want to believe in that. And so, listening to the piece, and and seeing what Mahler believes, it definitely gets me more optimistic, and and think of the possibility that there is meaning to existence. But, but I don't think one piece can change that for me.
Some people believe or perceive a reality beyond the physical or material world. This may include religious beliefs/experiences (such as perceived interactions with God) but also may include mystical or transcendent experiences, or interaction with spirits.
Did you have any kind of these experiences during the interaction with the artwork?
Interviewer: great, and then it so, some people believe or perceive a reality beyond the physical or material world. This may include religious beliefs and experiences. But, may also include mystical or transcendent experiences or interactions with spirits. Did you have any of these kinds of experiences during your interaction with this piece?
Participant: Hmm. I have had those experiences that those before, not with this piece, I think, because I was listening to it online, the scope of what I would feel was limited. Whereas if I had heard it live, like I've heard other Mahler’s symphonies live, and I definitely get closer to those kinds of experiences.
How old were you when you first interacted with the piece?
Interviewer: Thank you. So, I just have a few shorter follow-up questions.How old were you when you first interacted with this piece?
Participant: 22.
How do you perceive the quality of the work?
Interviewer: And then, how do you perceive the quality of this work?
Participant: Very good.
What was going on in your own life around the time you interacted with this piece?
Interviewer: And then, would you like to talk a little bit about what was going on in your own life around the time that you interacted with this piece?
Participant: Well, I was about to be done with undergrad. And I was. It was just a very uncertain time, because I didn't know if I was going to be able to graduate, If I was going to be able to go to grad school. I wasn't sure what I'm going to be doing in the next couple of months, let alone a couple of years. And, I didn't know if I would, should continue being a musician, and I didn't know what music meant to me. And I was also on the verge of failing classes, and and my mental health was really poor, like due to all this, and just like regular chronic depression. So, that was all going on when I was listening to this piece.
Interviewer: Yes, thank you for sharing so, and thank you so much, for the interview, and for sharing all of your different experiences.
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