Expression Quote by Igor Stravinsky
““For I consider that music is, by its very nature, essentially powerless to express anything at all, whether a feeling, an attitude of mind, a psychological mood, a phenomenon of nature, etc. Expression has never been an inherent property of music. That is by no means the purpose of its existence. If, as is nearly always the case, music appears to express something, this is only an illusion and not a reality. It is simply an additional attribute which, by tacit and inveterate agreement, we have lent it, thrust upon it, as a label, a convention – in short, an aspect which, unconsciously or by force of habit, we have come to confuse with its essential being.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Nature of Music, Igor Stravinsky, 1935
Music lacks inherent expressive meaning; any perceived emotion is a cultural label, not an essential property.
In simple terms: Music itself isn’t expressive.
Key Takeaway
Recognize music as sound, not a direct emotional conduit.
Themes
art
music
perception
Mood
analytical
curious
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- listening to symphonies
- music education
- film scoring
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
aesthetic theory
cultural constructs
semiotics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you feel music conveys meaning?
- How does culture shape your listening?
A Different Perspective
Listeners often intuitively feel emotions from music, challenging the claim.
