Music Quote by Thomas Merton
“Music is pleasing not only because of the sound but because of the silence that is in it: without the alternation of sound and silence there would be no rhythm.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Seven Storey Mountain, 1948
Highlights the essential interplay of sound and silence in creating rhythm.
In simple terms: Silence makes music meaningful.
Key Takeaway
Value pauses as much as notes.
Themes
music
silence
rhythm
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
artistic
When to use this quote
- composing
- listening
- performance
- education
Key Concepts
aesthetics
perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you incorporate silence in your work?
- What does rhythm mean without silence?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on sound can drown subtlety.
![“Downloading's the same as what I used to do. I used to tape the charts of the songs I liked [off the radio]. I don't mind it. I hate all these big, silly rock stars who moan. At least they're fuckin' downloading your music, you cunt, and paying attention, know what I mean? You should fuckin'…” quote by Liam Gallagher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0c7/liam-gallagher-12691_liam-gallagher_downloading-s-the-same-as-what-i-used-to_369.jpg)
