Exaltation Quote by Henry Purcell
“As poetry is the harmony of words, so music is that of notes; and as poetry is a rise above prose and oratory, so is music the exaltation of poetry.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Musical Aesthetics, 1695
Poetry arranges words harmoniously; music does similarly with notes, elevating both beyond ordinary speech.
In simple terms: Poetry and music both arrange sounds to rise above ordinary language.
Recognize the shared artistry of words and notes.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Concert halls
- literary readings
- educational curricula
- creative collaborations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- In what ways does music mirror poetic structure?
- How does this view affect listening habits?
Music can be abstract, making the poetic connection less obvious to some.