Classical music Quote by Andrew Ashdown
““In Schubert, for instance, say, in Wiegenleid D867 or Der Wanderer and den Mond D870 one finds perhaps the ultimate listening experience, the composer attaining to that invisible thread which we call the 'muse', a trajectory that descries a perfect line of profitable endeavour, a teetering edge where perfection of … tone, I think, must be the word - occupies a faltering, infinitesimally narrow arris – short of it and you fail, further and you fall – the arc of the something profound yet beyond rationalization Yeah but, no but - bleedin' classical music””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on Schubert, 2018
The quote describes how Schubert’s music reaches a delicate, almost unattainable perfection that feels both profound and fragile, and how attempting to grasp it can lead to failure.
In simple terms: Schubert’s music is a fragile perfect line that’s hard to capture.
Key Takeaway
Seek balance between striving for perfection and accepting imperfection.
Themes
music
perfection
fragility
artistic pursuit
Mood
contemplative
introspective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- concert listening
- music criticism
- performance practice
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
aesthetic theory
musical analysis
creative tension
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you respond when art feels beyond words?
- Can you find value in imperfection?
A Different Perspective
Perfection may be an illusion that hinders appreciation.
