Whenever I get an idea for a song, even before jotting down the notes, I can hear it in the orchestra, I can smell it in the scenery, I can see the kind of actor who will sing it, and I am aware of an audience listening to it.
Richard RodgersRead
I would like, if I can, to broaden the possibilities of the musical theater. I think there's a better 'Oklahoma!' someplace, a better 'West Side Story.' And I'd like to be mixed up in it.
Interpretation
The quote expresses a desire to enhance and expand the musical theater landscape.
Richard Rodgers conveys his aspiration to contribute to the evolution of musical theater by envisioning a future where improved versions of iconic shows like 'Oklahoma!' and 'West Side Story' exist. His statement reflects a deep commitment to creativity and innovation in the arts, suggesting that there is always room for growth and new possibilities within artistic expressions.
In practice
In a speech about the future of theater, you might quote this to inspire others to push boundaries.
Whenever I get an idea for a song, even before jotting down the notes, I can hear it in the orchestra, I can smell it in the scenery, I can see the kind of actor who will sing it, and I am aware of an audience listening to it.
In many ways, a song-writing partnership is like a marriage. Apart from just liking each other, a lyricist and a composer should be able to spend long periods of time together - around the clock if need be - without getting on each other's nerves. Their goals, outlooks, and basic philosophies should be similar.
If somebody wants to sing my songs after I'm gone, nobody will be happier than my dead body.
There isn't anything I wanted to do that I haven't. At the same time, there isn't anything I've ever done that I didn't want to do better.
The mystery was gone but the amazement was just starting.
The music is really about sharing an experience. That's why we call it Stay Human. It's like we're sharing this genuine human exchange.
You want to know how to paint a perfect painting? It's easy. Make yourself perfect and then just paint naturally.
Poetry is thoughts that breathe, and words that burn.
My job in this life is to give people spiritual ecstasy through music. In my concerts people cry, laugh, dance. If they climaxed spiritually, I did my job. I did it decently and honestly.
I believe that music is a spiritual language. My everyday self is pretty mundane and boring, but when I'm making music it allows for me to communicate a kind of transcendence that I can't communicate otherwise.
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