Is it possible to dissociate the note from the instrument? This note from a violin clearly comes from a violin. The instrument shapes the sound, even though all instruments can produce that note. However, that note belongs to me, now. It's in my head. I can attach it to sad or happy emotions, or close my eyes and imagine a landscape with it.

I think this art/artist debate misses half of the action. Once the note or the art has been produced by the artist, it belongs to the public, that vibes with it in the way they chose.