Meaning: This quote by Sun Ra, a prominent musician known for his avant-garde approach to jazz music, speaks to the idea that even the most revered classical composers such as Bach and Beethoven had to create music that catered to the tastes and demands of the elite and powerful individuals of their time. Sun Ra's observation sheds light on the historical context in which music has been created and consumed, and raises questions about the relationship between art and patronage.

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) and Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) are widely regarded as two of the most influential and celebrated composers in the history of Western classical music. Both artists produced an extensive body of work that has had a lasting impact on the development of musical composition and performance. However, it is important to note that their creative output was often shaped by the social and economic structures of their respective eras.

During the Baroque period in which Bach lived and worked, composers were commonly employed by wealthy patrons such as aristocrats, church officials, and royal courts. These patrons provided financial support and commissioned works for specific events or occasions. Bach, who held various positions as a church musician and court composer, frequently composed music for church services, weddings, funerals, and other ceremonial events. His compositions were often tailored to the preferences of his patrons and intended to resonate with their sensibilities.

Similarly, Beethoven navigated a musical landscape that was influenced by the patronage of aristocratic and bourgeois circles in late 18th and early 19th century Vienna. While Beethoven's artistic vision and creative autonomy set him apart from many of his contemporaries, he relied on the support of wealthy patrons, including members of the nobility and philanthropic individuals, to sustain his career and fund his compositions. Beethoven's ability to secure patronage allowed him the freedom to pursue innovative musical ideas, but it also meant that his works were subject to the tastes and expectations of his benefactors.

Sun Ra's assertion that these iconic composers "had to write something to please the upper structure, those with money and power" highlights the complex dynamics of artistic patronage throughout history. It underscores the reality that artists, regardless of their genius or artistic integrity, have often been dependent on the financial backing and social connections of patrons to sustain their livelihoods and secure opportunities for creative expression. This dynamic has influenced the trajectory of music and the arts, shaping the types of compositions that were produced and the audiences for which they were intended.

Moreover, Sun Ra's statement invites reflection on the broader implications of patronage in the arts and the ways in which power dynamics and social hierarchies have intersected with creative expression. It prompts consideration of the compromises and negotiations that artists have historically made in order to navigate the economic and social constraints of their time. While Bach and Beethoven undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the world of music with their profound compositions, their experiences as artists within systems of patronage serve as a reminder of the multifaceted influences that have shaped the evolution of musical expression.

In conclusion, Sun Ra's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the relationship between artistic creation and the influence of patrons with wealth and power. By contextualizing the creative endeavors of Bach and Beethoven within the framework of historical patronage, the quote encourages a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in the production and reception of music. It serves as a reminder that the interplay between art and patronage has been a pervasive force throughout the history of music, and prompts contemplation of the ways in which artistic expression has been shaped by social, economic, and cultural forces.