I used to think there was something dirty about being paid for something which is a sacred thing to do. I can't disconnect the act of writing music from the act of prayer. If anyone tries to stop me working, it feels like someone is trying to stop me from taking communion.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the deep connection between the act of creating music and a sacred, spiritual experience.
John Tavener articulates his belief that music composition is not merely a profession, but a sacred act akin to prayer or communion. He suggests that the act of creating music holds profound spiritual significance for him, making it difficult to view this artistic endeavor as something to be commodified or separated from its spiritual essence.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of art in education, one might use this quote to emphasize the sacred nature of creative expression.
Every scene, even the commonest, is wonderful, if only one can detach oneself, casting off all memory of use and custom, and behold it (as it were) for the first time; in its right, authentic colors; without making comparisons. Cherish and burnish this faculty of seeing crudely, simply, artlessly, ignorantly; of seeing like a baby or a lunatic, who lives each moment by itself and tarnishes by the present no remembrance of the past.
Think it a vile habit to alter works of good composers, to omit parts of them, or to insert new-fashioned ornaments. This is the greatest insult you can offer to Art.
Singing has always seemed to me the most perfect means of expression.
When you work as an actor, you've got to feel safe even in what appears to be the simplest things.
Quite simply, my writing life has been one of relish, challenge, excitement.
I paint my own reality. The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.