Aim Quote by Pierre Boulez
“The aim of music is not to express feelings but to express music.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Role of Music", 1960
Music should stand on its own, not merely convey emotions.
In simple terms: Music is its own expression.
Focus on the structure of sound.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- composing
- listening
- teaching music
- performance critique
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can music be purely abstract?
- What is the listener’s role?
Emotions are still inevitable in reception.