My music is best understood by children and animals.
Igor StravinskyRead
Conductors' careers are made for the most part with 'Romantic' music. 'Classic' music eliminates the conductor; we do not remember him in it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Romantic music highlights the conductor's role while classical music often overshadows it.
Igor Stravinsky's quote emphasizes the distinction between Romantic and Classical music, suggesting that a conductor's identity is more easily recognized in Romantic works. In contrast, Classical music tends to focus on the composition itself, making the conductor less memorable, as the music is more about the written notes and less about individual interpretation.
Themes
MusicConductorRomanticClassicalInterpretation
In practice
Example use cases
During a seminar on music appreciation, one might quote Stravinsky when discussing the roles of a conductor.
More from Igor Stravinsky
All quotes βThe trouble with music appreciation in general is that people are taught to have too much respect for music they should be taught to love it instead.
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I was born out of due time in the sense that by temperament and talent I should have been more suited for the life of a small Bach, living in anonymity and composing regularly for an established service and for God.
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A composer is not only an architect but also an inventor, and he should not build houses in which he cannot live.
Igor StravinskyRead
Music must be listened to; it is not enough to hear it. A duck hears also.
Igor StravinskyRead
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