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 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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Oscar Peterson expresses doubt about the longevity of contemporary music compared to timeless classics.
In this quote, Oscar Peterson reflects on the nature of music, suggesting that many modern pieces won't endure the test of time like the works of jazz legend Coleman Hawkins or classical composer Johannes Brahms. Peterson's statement emphasizes the distinction between fleeting trends and enduring artistry, underlining a belief in the lasting impact of true musical genius.
Themes
MusicTimelessArtistryLegacyJazzClassicalColeman HawkinsBrahms
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech about the importance of valuing true artistry in music.
More from Oscar Peterson
All quotes →Too many jazz pianists limit themselves to a personal style, a trademark, so to speak. They confine themselves to one type of playing.
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
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
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