My music is best understood by children and animals.
Igor StravinskyRead
Too many pieces of music finish too long after the end.
Interpretation
Music should have a clear conclusion without unnecessary prolongation.
Igor Stravinsky's quote highlights the importance of brevity and clarity in musical composition. He suggests that, like any art form, music should effectively communicate its message and not overstay its welcome, as lingering too long can detract from its impact and meaning.
In practice
In a music class discussing the structure of a piece, this quote can emphasize the need for concise endings.
My music is best understood by children and animals.
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The trouble with music appreciation in general is that people are taught to have too much respect for music they should be taught to love it instead.
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I was born out of due time in the sense that by temperament and talent I should have been more suited for the life of a small Bach, living in anonymity and composing regularly for an established service and for God.
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I always say I write because I have questions, not because I have answers. It's true that you begin the conversation - that's the role of the artist. But it's not my job to tell us what to do next. I wish I had those tools.
I began taking liberties a long time ago; now it is standard practice for most directors to ignore the rules.
Punk was defined by an attitude rather than a musical style.
People often called us perfectionists, but we were not looking for perfection. We were looking for some kind of magic in the music.
I would rather write or record something great and have it overlooked than do mediocre work and have it be popular.
The art of stone in a Japanese garden is that of placement. Its ideal does not deviate from that of nature.
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