I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues.
I like any and all of my associations with music: writing, playing, and listening. We write and play from our perspective, and the audience listens from its perspective. If and when we agree, I am lucky.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Music is a collaborative art form where both the creator and the audience bring their unique perspectives.
This quote by Duke Ellington emphasizes the shared experience of music between the creator and the listener. It highlights how both parties come from their own perspectives, and when those perspectives align, it creates a moment of connection and appreciation. Ellington suggests that this harmonious agreement is a fortunate and meaningful outcome in the realm of music, where the creative process is inherently personal, yet designed for shared enjoyment.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used at a music appreciation event to highlight the connection between musicians and their audience.
More from Duke Ellington
All quotes →Tomorrow is in the wings waiting for you to sound her entrance fanfare.
There is no art without intention.
There is nothing to keeping a band together. You simply have to have a gimmick, and the gimmick I use is to pay them money!
Gray skies are just clouds passing over.
Playing 'bop' is like playing Scrabble with all the vowels missing.
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The sun had, in the meanwhile, sunk behind the Ettersberg. We felt in the wood the chill of the evening, and drove all the quicker to Wiemar, and to Goethe's house. Goethe urged me to go in with him for a while, and I did so. He was in an extremely engaging mood. He talked a great deal about his theory of colors, and of his obstinate opponents; remarking that he was sure that he had done something in this science.