Auditory Pareidolia and the Music of Vladimir Rebikov: How the Ordinary Becomes Art

Vladimir Rebikov (1866–1920) was a Russian composer whose work long remained overshadowed by more famous contemporaries like Tchaikovsky or Rachmaninoff. However, his music deserves special attention, as it may be a striking example of auditory pareidolia. Rebikov had the ability to turn simple, everyday sounds and phenomena into complex, emotionally rich musical imagery. His works are not just music but rather "sound paintings" that convey the sensations of the world around us.

ebikov often drew inspiration from simple, even mundane themes: the rustling of a forest, the whisper of flowers, children playing, or a mother’s lullaby. These subjects might seem unlikely candidates for deep musical interpretation, but in Rebikov’s hands, they became true masterpieces. His music is not merely a description of phenomena but a profound experience of them. For example, in his piece "Children Skating", one can hear not only joy and movement but also the crisp winter air, the creak of ice under skates, and the laughter of children. All of this is conveyed through harmonies, rhythms, and melodies that appear simple yet are incredibly expressive.

One of the best examples of Rebikov’s unique musical "vision" is his work "Idylls". This piece is not just a musical composition but a soundscape that transports the listener to a world of nature and simple human joys. It seems as though the composer did not attempt to describe his impressions with words or narrate a journey—instead, he sat at the piano and "painted" everything he saw and felt. "Idylls" contains no complex philosophical concepts or dramatic conflicts—only a pure perception of the beauty of the surrounding world. Rebikov, a master of musical interpretation, transforms familiar scenes — "Evening in the Meadow", "Children Skating", "Among the Flowers", as well as fantastical themes like "Nereid", "Faun", and "Fairy"—into vivid, animated stories. His music transcends mere visual perception, infusing every moment with soul and intimacy.

The composer himself gave clear instructions on how to listen to his works. He recommended doing so in secluded silence, with closed eyes, after preparing oneself by reading the title of the piece and imagining its theme. This approach allows one to fully immerse themselves in Rebikov’s musical world and feel how ordinary sounds are transformed into art. Perhaps it was precisely auditory pareidolia that enabled him to create such vivid and memorable imagery.