Are composers generally socially reserved or shy?

Please speak from your own experience, both with yourself and with other composers. This is the conclusion I have come to from my experience, mostly with myself. And I think that composition functions as a personal tool or mode of self-socialization. I think those who are already socially confident and can easily express themselves socially without any undue inhibitions, do not really need the tool of composition through which to do so, or to use as an aid or medium in doing so.

An example serving to support this theory of mine is the fact that of the three Bs, Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms, only Beethoven wrote an opera, and it was only one opera, and one which gave him a lot of problems. This is if we can consider opera as the most social form of composition, which I think everyone agrees it is.

Maybe some hide their shyness or social reserve behind a kind of social roughness as I think was the case with Beethoven and maybe Brahms. In any case I think a certain degree of introversion is a usual trait and may even be necessary for most composers. What do you think?

Originally Posted by luderart

An example serving to support this theory of mine is the fact that of the three Bs, Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms, only Beethoven wrote an opera, and it was only one opera, and one which gave him a lot of problems.

I think I read somewhere that Bach actually wanted to write an opera, just never had a real opportunity for it, being mostly paid for church music. Don't hold me on that though. But it's still a fact that many choices concerning what kind of piece for what instruments you write are strongly influenced by exterior circumstances. This is especially true for such large projects as operas, where you have to work for a long time, and which cost a lot of money.

I'm not sure whether operas are more "social" than other music though. Of course, it involves a lot of people, if that's what you mean, and it has a story that conveys something more distinct than just music to the listener, but that doesn't really make writing an opera a social act.

Maybe at least some introversion is necessary to be a composer or music writer. I suppose as introverts we do miss out on some good parts of life... after all - extroversion is the natural state of being. Introversion is kind of like a flaw with side-benefits...

You can't just make a generalised statement like that out of one, or even a few, personal experiences and examples.

For one, I am very social and have no problems with other people. So there you go, your argument's back to where it began. And I don't see composition as a "tool" to "express" some things that I wouldn't express by socialising. I just view composition as a very fun activity that stimulates the brain and ear, is challenging, and I enjoy doing.

First of all, there doesn't seem to be a particular correlation between creative hobbies (such as composition, performance, painting, problem solving or whatever) and the "social quotient" if you want it this way. For one thing, if you think of all the American abstract expressionists of the 60+'s, they were all very social (including composers such as Cage and Feldman). But on the other hand, what about actors? Acting is one of the very demanding arts, and very creative although it might not seem like it at a first glance. And I personally can't imagine many actors being shy or socially problematic.

I don't see some reasoning behind the correlation between composers and people who are not very active/able socially.

I'm extremely introverted. I have very few friends, always have done, and I suspect I always will. I don't, however, think that this is anything to do with my interest in music - I compose for the same reasons I enjoy mathematics - it's fun, there are elements of problem solving, it's a mainly solitary activity, and I get the same sense of achievement when I write something I'm proud of as when I solve a difficult problem.

One argument against your theory is that a lot of the most famous composers have also been virtuoso performers - and I doubt there will be many introverted performers.

K, so I have no shame in public... So.. that isn't true.

Yah, Liszt was extremely extroverted (and rather successful with the ladyfolk). Don't know that much about the personality of other composers. I know that Shostakovich was very nerdy and introverted and kind of shy around people.

In general, I just think composers are smart folk, and smart folk are more likely to be nerdy/shy/strange.

Everyone knows Beethoven and Brahms were the only composers ever to exist

I know I certainly epitomize the "introverted artist" stereotype (although I can be extroverted in my own strange way), but it's not fair to cast it upon everyone who composes. I know one of the other great musicians/composers at my school is a pretty social, extroverted guy.

When will people learn that these little stereotypes are lame. I think the only real common trait among composers is a love for music and a desire to create. As for how they interact with people, if they are gay, if they like dogs, etc you are not going to find a common thread.

Sure, you may find some traits that are more common among composers, simply because how random within nonrandom groups work.

Cheerleaders are airheads, mathematicians go crazy, engineers are stiffs, scientist are evil, businessman are corrupt, politicians spew lies, and all good composers are gay. Lame stereotypes. Move beyond them and just accept that people are people and within any social group you will not be able to say most or all act a certain way. (At least in regards to friendliness. )