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
The music field was the first to break down racial barriers, because in order to play together, you have to love the people you are playing with, and if you have any racial inhibitions, you wouldn't be able to do that.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Music fosters unity and love, transcending racial differences.
This quote emphasizes the transformative power of music in bridging racial divides. Oscar Peterson points out that collaboration in music requires genuine affection and acceptance among musicians, suggesting that the expression and sharing of music can overcome prejudices and foster a sense of community, regardless of racial backgrounds.
Themes
MusicRacial BarriersUnityCollaborationLove
In practice
Example use cases
During a community event celebrating diversity, this quote can be shared to highlight the importance of music in uniting different cultures.
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
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.
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
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