Double bass Quote by Dezső Kosztolányi
““He knew everything. He knew at least a thousand Hungarian folk songs, all the words and tunes, he could handle Gypsies, give them instructions and keep them in order, check their familiarity with the flicker of an eyelid, then win their affection with a lordly, condescending, and yet fraternal-playful sidelong glance, he could call 'acsi' perfectly, shout at the first violin when he didn't strike up Csendesen, csak csendesen quietly enough and the cimbalonist when the padded sticks didn't make the steel strings thunder and rumble sufficiently in Hullamzo Balaton, he could kiss the viola player's pock-marked face, give the double bass a kick, break glasses and mirrors, drink wine, beer and marc brandy for three days on end out of tumblers, smack his lips at the site of cabbage soup and cold pork stew, take ages inspecting his cards (with relish, one eye closed), dance a quick csardas for a whole half-hour, urging and driving himself on to stamp and shout and toss his partner high in the air and catch her, light as a feather, with one arm: so, as I said, he could do everything that raises Man from his animal condition and makes him truly Man.””
About This Quote
The passage celebrates a charismatic figure whose mastery of music, social interaction, and sensory indulgence elevates human experience beyond mere animal instincts.
In simple terms: A virtuoso embodies the pinnacle of human cultural and emotional expression.
Human excellence is expressed through art, mastery, and playful authority.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- performing for a folk audience
- directing musicians during a rehearsal
- celebrating with food and drink
- engaging in a lively dance
- showcasing technical prowess
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- Designing immersive cultural performances
- Creating charismatic leadership training
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to transcend animal instincts?
- How does charisma amplify artistic mastery?