If I would be born in New Zealand, maybe, I would never write the Polish Requiem or pieces which were connected with the history of war. But this was my childhood. War was the main subject, and also in our family.
So many new things have been discovered in the 20th century that now, at the end of the century, we need some kind of synthesis, some musical language which will allow us just to write music.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the idea that the discoveries of the 20th century in music necessitate a new language or synthesis for musical expression.
Krzysztof Penderecki highlights the transformative discoveries made in the field of music throughout the 20th century and advocates for the need for a new musical language that can encapsulate these advancements. By calling for a synthesis of ideas, he suggests that the complexities and innovations of the time require a fresh approach to musical composition, enabling musicians to express new thoughts and emotions effectively.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on the evolution of modern music, you could use this quote to illustrate the necessity for new forms of expression.
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