Exactitude Quote by Cornelius Cardew
“The notation is more important than the sound. Not the exactitude and success with which a notation notates a sound; but the musicalness of the notation in its notating.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Notation and Sound” from *Treatise on Music* (1970)
The author argues that the visual representation of music holds more significance than the actual sound it produces, focusing on the expressive quality of the notation itself.
In simple terms: Notation’s expressive quality matters more than the sound it represents.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize the visual and conceptual aspects of music creation.
Themes
art
music theory
creativity
expression
interpretation
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
introspective
Type
philosophical
educational
critical
When to use this quote
- compositional workshops
- music education
- experimental performances
Key Concepts
aesthetic theory
semiotics
musical abstraction
Questions to Reflect On
- How does notation shape musical perception?
- Can a piece be meaningful without sound?
A Different Perspective
The claim may undervalue the auditory experience essential to listeners.
