How many of the original songs survive intact from the slave cabins? Probably not many in their original form. Time has transformed them like light in a prism. What we hope to present is a version of those spirituals, and they speak not just to black Americans, but to people worldwide.
Interpretation
The evolution of spirituals reflects cultural transformation over time.
This quote emphasizes the impact of time on cultural expressions, particularly the spirituals that originated from enslaved people. Kathleen Battle suggests that while the original forms of these songs may have changed, their essence and message continue to resonate broadly, transcending their historical context to speak to a global audience.
In practice
During a lecture on the evolution of music, this quote can illustrate how cultural expressions adapt over time.
Wherever and whenever I sing, if there is only one spiritual on a program, people will talk about two things afterward, and one of them will be the spiritual. What I bring to this is the best of my classical training - not all of it. I apply what is appropriate.
A man writes because he is tormented, because he doubts. He needs to constantly prove to himself and the others that he’s worth something. And if I know for sure that I’m a genius? Why write then? What the hell for?
A star on a movie set is like a time bomb. That bomb has got to be defused so people can approach it without fear.
Never try to make the same record twice, even when people are screaming for the same sound.
I practiced drawing all the time and became very interested in it. If I was at a meeting that wasn't getting anywhere - like the one where Carl Rogers came to Caltech to discuss with us whether Caltech should develop a psychology department - I would draw the other people.
You have to accept as an architect to be exposed to criticism. Architecture should not rely on full harmony.
It is shameful that dancing should renounce the empire it might assert over the mind and only endeavor to please the sight.
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