In art there are only fast or slow developments. Essentially it is a matter of evolution, not revolution.
Bela BartokRead
Folk melodies are the embodiment of an artistic perfection of the highest order; in fact, they are models of the way in which a musical idea can be expressed with utmost perfection in terms of brevity of form and simplicity of means.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Folk melodies represent the peak of artistic achievement by effectively conveying musical ideas with simplicity and brevity.
Bela Bartok emphasizes the remarkable quality of folk melodies, portraying them as superior examples of art that encapsulate musical concepts with remarkable eloquence. He highlights how these melodies achieve a level of perfection that showcases the ability to express complex ideas through minimalistic means, thereby celebrating the artistry found in simplicity.
Themes
Folk MelodiesArtistic PerfectionSimplicityBrevityMusical Expression
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker at a cultural festival discussing the importance of folk music might use this quote to highlight its artistic value.
More from Bela Bartok
All quotes →I cannot conceive of music that expresses absolutely nothing.
Bela BartokRead
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