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Thus, if a composer wants to produce music that is…

“Thus, if a composer wants to produce music that is relevant to his contemporaries, his chief problem is not really musical, though it may seem to him to be so; it is a problem of attitude to contemporary society and culture in relation to the basic human problem of learning to be human.” quote by John Blacking
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“Thus, if a composer wants to produce music that is relevant to his contemporaries, his chief problem is not really musical, though it may seem to him to be so; it is a problem of attitude to contemporary society and culture in relation to the basic human problem of learning to be human.”

John Blacking

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A composer must align attitudes with contemporary culture, not just focus on musical technique

In simple terms: Attitude toward society matters more than technique

Key Takeaway

Consider cultural context in creation

Themes

music culture attitude

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • composing
  • education
  • cultural critique

Key Concepts

sociology human learning

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do societal changes influence your creative process?
  • What attitudes limit your artistic relevance?
A Different Perspective

Technical skill alone cannot guarantee relevance

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