In truth, I became a conductor because deep down I wanted to conduct Brahms's four symphonies and Richard Strauss's tone poems.
Interpretation
The quote expresses a deep personal motivation to conduct specific pieces of music by renowned composers.
Zubin Mehta reveals his intrinsic motivation for becoming a conductor, indicating that his passion for conducting was significantly influenced by his desire to interpret and bring to life the works of Brahms and Strauss. This highlights the idea that personal aspirations and deep-seated passions can drive individuals to pursue their chosen paths in life.
In practice
In a speech about pursuing one's dreams, this quote can illustrate the importance of passion in career choices.
Go to the young conductors who are not making it, and you will hear how we shouldn't push ourselves or sell ourselves, how they don't have the right connections and the right opportunities. Well, you can be sure they've had the opportunities.
Some musical directors have more chutzpah. They pick up the phone and talk people into giving. I prefer to call and say 'thank you' after the money has been contributed.
My mentor was Clara Ward of the famous Ward gospel singers of Philadelphia. And my dad was my coach. He coached me. And just my natural love for music is what drove me.
In World War II, jazz absolutely was the music of freedom, and then in the Cold War, behind the Iron Curtain, same thing. It was all underground, but they needed the food of freedom that jazz offered.
It was all part of being a Beatle, really: just getting lugged around and thrust into rooms full of press men taking pictures and asking questions.
The '60s was one of the first times the power of music was used by a generation to bind them together.
Anybody with money can put on a KISS show, but they can't be KISS.
Hail, hail rock and roll / Deliver me from the days of old.
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