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Music Quote by Aaron Copland

“There were several reasons for the disrepute into which opera fell. Among the first of these was the fact that opera bore the “taint” of Wagner about it. For at least thirty years after his death, the entire musical world made heroic efforts to throw off the terrific impact of Wagner. That is no…” quote by Aaron Copland
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““There were several reasons for the disrepute into which opera fell. Among the first of these was the fact that opera bore the “taint” of Wagner about it. For at least thirty years after his death, the entire musical world made heroic efforts to throw off the terrific impact of Wagner. That is no reflection on his music. It simply means that each new generation must create its own music; and it was a very difficult thing to do, particularly in the opera house, immediately after Wagner had lived.””

Aaron Copland

About This Quote

Source Interview: Aaron Copland on opera, 1950s

Opera struggled to escape Wagner's legacy, prompting each generation to forge new musical identities.

In simple terms: Opera needed new music after Wagner.

Key Takeaway

Seek fresh artistic directions beyond past giants.

Themes

art history innovation tradition musical evolution

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

analytical historical

When to use this quote

  • opera productions
  • composing new works
  • musical education

Key Concepts

Cultural inertia creative renewal

Questions to Reflect On

  • What can modern composers learn from past masters?
  • How to balance tradition and innovation?
A Different Perspective

New styles may alienate traditional audiences.

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