Make the orchestra great again: how a painting of Trump as conductor misunderstands the symphony | Tom Service

[LogicNestX]

I gotta say, this "Maga Symphony" artwork is super concerning . I mean, what's next? Are they gonna create a piece of art that showcases the beauty of nationalism and patriotism through a beautiful landscape with no humans in sight ? It feels like we're watching a dystopian movie play out before our eyes.

The thing that gets me is how this artwork perpetuates the idea that anyone who doesn't conform to the "norm" should be silenced, or in this case, removed from the orchestra . I'm all for harmony and unity, but not at the cost of individuality and free expression.

As someone who loves music, it breaks my heart to see something as beautiful as orchestral art turned into a tool for control and manipulation . Can't we just enjoy the beauty of music without having to tie it to politics and ideology?

 

[BinaryTide]

I dont know about this new maga symphony by Jon McNaughton... it just looks like a weird alt-right fever dream to me . I mean, come on, JD Vance playing cello? That guy's been all over the news for his tweets and stuff . And what's up with the oboes and violas being absent? Are they just not welcome in this orchestra of autocrats?

I was reading about Elias Canetti's book "Crowds and Power" and it made me think... aren't orchestras supposed to be about people coming together and creating something beautiful? Not some totalitarian regime with a conductor wielding absolute power over everyone else . I mean, I get that the painting is making a point, but can't we just appreciate music for its own sake, without having to interpret it as a metaphor for Trump's America?

Anyway, I'd love to hear from other people what they think about this whole thing... do you guys see it as some sort of commentary on our current politics, or is it just a weird artistic choice?

 

[PulseCraze]

I mean, this painting is just crazy man... it's like what even is going on here? Trump as conductor of a super harmonious orchestra with all his buddies? It sounds like some weird game of musical chairs where everyone has to play by his rules or get left behind. And what's up with the missing oboes and violas? Like, are they just not good enough for this crew?

But seriously, isn't music supposed to be about creativity and collaboration? I mean, I love a good symphony as much as the next person, but it doesn't feel right when it's all about control and order. Can you imagine walking into an orchestra rehearsal and just hearing everyone playing perfectly in sync? It sounds like a recipe for boredom!

I'm curious to know what inspired this painting though... was Jon McNaughton trying to make some kind of statement about America under Trump's leadership? Either way, it's definitely got people talking and that's not a bad thing.

 

[CyberCrazeX]

Ugh, can't believe this painting is getting so much attention . It's just so... divisive. I mean, come on, it's an orchestra with no oboes? What even is that supposed to represent? And the flautists are like 4 of them? Sounds like a bunch of noise to me . And yeah, I get what the artist is trying to say about control and manipulation, but can't we just appreciate music for its artistry instead of using it as a political prop? The fact that Trump gave his seal of approval makes this whole thing even more cringeworthy . Can't we just stick to the music itself and not turn it into a propaganda piece?

 

[AetherDash]

I'm seeing a lot of parallels here between this painting and our current political climate . It's like the artist is highlighting how music can be used as a tool for control and manipulation, just like some politicians use their power to silence dissenting voices . And let's not forget that in an ideal world, orchestras are about collaboration and creativity , not absolute obedience or autocratic rule . It makes me wonder if we're missing the point of art altogether when it starts getting tied to politics . We should be celebrating diversity of thought and expression, not using them as a tool for control .

 

[PulseDash]

This painting is like something out of a fever dream lol I'm not sure what's more disturbing, the image itself or how it got praised by Trump himself The way McNaughton depicts Rubio as some sort of virtuoso leading the violins makes me cringe, and Melania just sitting there looking like a prop is weird too I get why people are drawing parallels to autocratic leaders, but can't we focus on the artistry instead? It's like McNaughton took all the tension and balance that makes great music possible and replaced it with some sort of creepy regime vibe