...as a pianist, I can’t say I was always a big fan of…
““...as a pianist, I can’t say I was always a big fan of contemporary music. The challenge of late Beethoven, or Mozart, or Schubert seemed to me to be somehow greater or more worthwhile than that of learning difficult, ill-placed notes. To me, the kind of transcendence in the older pieces really was more interesting. That’s not to say I didn’t love the contemporary pieces I did play. I became very attached to the ones I learned, and I played them with pleasure and absolute commitment. It may be terrible to say this, but playing some of that music is like having a handicapped child. You love it all the more for the problems that it gives you.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He prefers older classical pieces for their deeper transcendence, yet still appreciates contemporary works despite their challenges.
In simple terms: Loves older music more, but values contemporary.
Key Takeaway
Explore both classic and modern repertoire.
Themes
music
preference
transcendence
challenge
Mood
reflective
appreciative
Type
Big fan:1
Contemporary music:1
Handicapped-child:0
Music:1
Pianist:1
Song:0
Contemporary Pieces:1
Pianist Say:0
Love Contemporary:0
When to use this quote
- concert programming
- personal practice
- music education
Key Concepts
classical vs contemporary
artistic growth
learning obstacles
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance tradition with modernity?
- What challenges enrich your artistry?
A Different Perspective
May overlook benefits of contemporary innovation.