First of all, I swore it was two people playing. When I finally admitted to myself that was one man, I gave up the piano for a month. I figured it was hopeless to practice.
Oscar PetersonRead
I'm a musician and, just as the critics are hard on me, I'm hard on the critics.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Critics and artists hold each other to high standards, reflecting their mutual expectations.
In this quote, Oscar Peterson highlights the reciprocal relationship between artists and critics, suggesting that both parties critique each other rigorously. Musicians and creators often face harsh evaluations from critics, but in turn, they are justified in critiquing the critics, indicating a shared responsibility in the pursuit of excellence and authentic artistry.
Themes
MusicianCriticsStandardsArtistryReciprocity
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on an artist's album, this quote could reinforce the notion that every artist faces scrutiny.
More from Oscar Peterson
All quotes βToo many jazz pianists limit themselves to a personal style, a trademark, so to speak. They confine themselves to one type of playing.
Oscar PetersonRead
I don't believe that a lot of the things I hear on the air today are going to be played for as long a time as Coleman Hawkins records or Brahms concertos.
Oscar PetersonRead
It's the group sound that's important, even when you're playing a solo. You not only have to know your own instrument, you must know the others and how to back them up at all times. That's jazz.
Oscar PetersonRead
Montreal was a very active jazz center until club owners started putting in strippers instead of music. Before long, there was nothing to hear.
Oscar PetersonRead
Too many jazz pianists limit themselves to a personal style, a trademark, so to speak. They confine themselves to one type of playing. I believe in using the entire piano as a single instrument capable of expressing every possible musical idea. I have no one style. I play as I feel.
Oscar PetersonRead
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