Music Quote by Alexander McCall Smith
““For a short while she considered the idea of orchestral courtesy. Certainly one should avoid giving political offence: German orchestras, of course, used to be careful about playing Wagner abroad, at least in some countries, choosing instead German composers who were somewhat more ... apologetic.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, 1998
She reflects on the delicate balance between artistic expression and political sensitivity, noting that German orchestras historically avoided controversial works like Wagner abroad, opting for less provocative composers.
In simple terms: Artists must navigate politics when choosing repertoire.
Key Takeaway
Consider political context when programming music.
Themes
artistic responsibility
politics
censorship
cultural diplomacy
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
reflective
Type
literary
observational
cultural commentary
When to use this quote
- concert programming
- international tours
- cultural exchange
- media criticism
Key Concepts
national identity
public perception
historical memory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide when to prioritize art over politics?
- What are the risks of self‑censorship?
A Different Perspective
Avoiding offense can limit artistic freedom and critical discourse.
![“Downloading's the same as what I used to do. I used to tape the charts of the songs I liked [off the radio]. I don't mind it. I hate all these big, silly rock stars who moan. At least they're fuckin' downloading your music, you cunt, and paying attention, know what I mean? You should fuckin'…” quote by Liam Gallagher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0c7/liam-gallagher-12691_liam-gallagher_downloading-s-the-same-as-what-i-used-to_369.jpg)
