A experiência estético-musical no museu de arte

Abstract

This research project focuses on the phenomenology of art appreciation, with and without music, within a museum environment. Its main goal is to try and understand why, in what way and to what extent music may interfere and have an impact on art viewers’ aesthetic experience. A musical project was devised and implemented in order to obtain first-hand feedback on the intended research phenomenon. Selected participants were invited to engage with art - with and without music - according to their artistic education and respective visual skills. The interviewed participants’ global assessment is that music is an aesthetic experience facilitator and changes art’s perception by adding new layers of meaning. Contrary to some theories reported in the literature, empirical evidence has shown that music is a powerful art interpretative tool. It allows audiences - art experts and non-experts alike - to have a deeper immersive experience and a further meaningful engagement with artworks, thus enhancing their overall art enjoyment. This study contributes to the literature by researching an under-investigated theme, the musical-aesthetic experience, and by proposing a conceptual model that seeks to outline and explain the structural essence and the procedural logic of the respective aesthetic phenomenon. Framed within interdisciplinary, inclusive, communicative and creative museum education programmes, music should be encouraged and occasionally welcomed as a stimulating sound investment in XXI century art galleries