My music is best understood by children and animals.
Igor StravinskyRead
Music must be listened to; it is not enough to hear it. A duck hears also.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Music requires active engagement to be fully appreciated, not just passive hearing.
Igor Stravinsky emphasizes that truly experiencing music goes beyond simply hearing sound; it necessitates an attentive and emotional engagement. Just like a duck might perceive sounds without understanding or appreciating them, many people might hear music without delving into its depth and richness, which diminishes the overall experience.
Themes
MusicListeningEngagementAppreciationSound
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about the importance of engaging with art, this quote can be used to illustrate how active participation enriches our experiences.
More from Igor Stravinsky
All quotes βConductors' 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
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