I am interested in a political art, that is to say an art of ambiguity, contradiction, uncompleted gestures and uncertain ending - an art (and a politics) in which optimism is kept in check, and nihilism at bay.
William KentridgeRead
The artist who does not feel completely satisfied by elegant lines, by harmonious colors, and by a beautiful succession of chords does not understand the art of music.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the essential elements of music as an art form, emphasizing the importance of aesthetic appreciation.
Camille Saint-Saens suggests that true understanding of music goes beyond technical skills; it involves an emotional and aesthetic appreciation of beauty, whether in melodies, harmonies, or the interplay of colors and lines in musical expression. An artist must feel a profound satisfaction from these elements to grasp the essence of music as an art form.
Themes
MusicArtBeautyEmotionAesthetics
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on art appreciation, I referenced this quote to emphasize the importance of emotional connection in music.
Similar quotes
To express what is the most moral, healthful and beautiful in art this is the mission of the dancer, and to this I dedicate my life.
Isadora DuncanRead
A writer wants something more than money for his work: he wants permanence.
A. A. MilneRead
One of the hardest things about writing lyrics is to make the lyrics sit on the music in such a way that you're not aware there was a writer there.
Stephen SondheimRead
Poetry and prayer are very similar.
Carol Ann DuffyRead
I became a human jukebox, learning all these songs I'd always known, discovering the basics of what I do. The cathartic part was in the essential act of singing. When is it that the voice becomes an elixir? It's during flirting, courtship, sex. Music's all that.
Jeff BuckleyRead