QuoteProject
Too many pieces of music finish too long after the end.
Igor Stravinsky
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

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.

Themes

MusicCreativityCompositionBrevityArt

In practice

Example use cases

In a music class discussing the structure of a piece, this quote can emphasize the need for concise endings.

More from Igor Stravinsky

My music is best understood by children and animals.
Igor StravinskyRead
Conductors' careers are made for the most part with 'Romantic' music. 'Classic' music eliminates the conductor; we do not remember him in it.
Igor StravinskyRead
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.
Igor StravinskyRead
Invention presupposes imagination but should not be confused with it.
Igor StravinskyRead
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.
Igor StravinskyRead
A composer is not only an architect but also an inventor, and he should not build houses in which he cannot live.
Igor StravinskyRead

Similar quotes

Whatever's merely willful, and not miraculous (be never it so skilful) must wither fail and cease - but better than to grow beauty knows no.
E. E. CummingsRead
I have written it before and am not ashamed to write it again. Without Wodehouse I am not sure that I would be a tenth of what I am today -- whatever that may be. In my teenage years, his writings awoke me to the possibilities of language. His rhythms, tropes, tricks and mannerisms are deep within me. But more than that, he taught me something about good nature. It is enough to be benign, to be gentle, to be funny, to be kind.
Stephen FryRead
My only conclusion about structure is that nothing works if you don't have interesting characters and a good story to tell.
Harold RamisRead
The photograph should be more interesting or more beautiful than what was photographed
Garry WinograndRead
Nothing contributes to the entertainment of the reader more, than the change of times and the vicissitudes of fortune.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
People think that my favorite roles to do are villains, but I find comedy to be the most challenging and rewarding.
Christopher WalkenRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.