We must learn to die, and to die in the fullest sense of the word. The fear of the end is the source of all lovelessness
Richard WagnerRead
The oldest, truest, most beautiful organ of music, the origin to which alone our music owes its being, is the human voice.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The human voice is the fundamental source of music, connecting us deeply to the essence of musical expression.
Richard Wagner emphasizes the profound importance of the human voice in the realm of music, suggesting that it is not only the oldest instrument but also the most authentic and beautiful. He implies that all forms of music stem from the voice, highlighting its unique role in art and expression, and suggesting that the emotional and spiritual qualities of music are inherently tied to our ability to vocalize and communicate.
Themes
MusicHuman VoiceExpressionArtCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
In a presentation about the importance of art, this quote can highlight the uniqueness of human expression.
More from Richard Wagner
All quotes βHere, everything is tragic through and through, and the will, that fain would shape a world according to its wish, at last can reach no greater satisfaction than the breaking of itself in dignified annulment.
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I can't distract myself enough here, for sketches to a new opera are constantly buzzing around in my head, to the extent that I need all my strength to wrest myself from them.
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Everything lives and lasts by the inner necessity of its being, by its own nature's need.
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One might say that where Religion becomes artificial, it is reserved for Art to save the spirit of religion.
Richard WagnerRead
I believe in God, Mozart and Beethoven, and likewise their disciples and apostles; - I believe in the Holy Spirit and the truth of the one, indivisible Art; - I believe that this Art proceeds from God, and lives within the hearts of all illumined men.
Richard WagnerRead
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