"Always remember that classical music is not dead men playing, it's living men breathing life into dead notes."
This quote emphasizes the notion that classical music is a living, evolving art form rather than an ancient relic. Edgar Meyer suggests that the spirit of classical music lives on through the performers who breathe new life into the composed notes. It's not just about the dead notes written by long-gone composers; it's about the emotion and interpretation brought to those notes by living musicians, thus creating a unique experience for each audience member.
"It's important to play what you hear, not just what you see."
This quote by Edgar Meyer underscores the importance of personal interpretation in music performance. Rather than simply replicating written notes, it encourages musicians to bring their own unique perspectives and insights to the music they play. The aim is not just to follow what's written on paper (what one "sees"), but to immerse oneself deeply enough to capture the intended emotion, rhythm, and essence of the piece (what one "hears"). This approach results in more authentic, expressive, and meaningful performances.
"The great composers die at a fairly early age because they are so profoundly alive while they are here."
The quote implies that great composers maintain such a deep connection to life, creativity, and their craft that it ultimately shortens their physical lifespan. This intense vitality is a testament to their artistic passion and genius, which consumes them during their relatively brief existence on earth.
"If you don't know what it is, it's probably wrong. And if it sounds like something else, it's definitely wrong."
This quote emphasizes the importance of understanding and clarity in decision-making or problem-solving processes. It suggests that one should not proceed with something if they do not fully comprehend it, as a lack of knowledge or misconceptions can often lead to mistakes or negative outcomes. The second part underscores the notion that similarities to known concepts might deceive us into accepting something that is fundamentally flawed or inappropriate. In essence, Edgar Meyer encourages critical thinking and a thorough understanding before making decisions or accepting ideas.
"The most important thing I can tell you about improvising is this: listen, and don't forget to breathe."
This quote by Edgar Meyer emphasizes two crucial aspects for effective improvisation in any creative endeavor: active listening and mindful breathing. Active listening involves being attentive to what's happening around you, absorbing information, and responding appropriately. In music or dialogue, this means understanding the rhythm, melody, or conversation and adapting your performance accordingly. Mindful breathing symbolizes a relaxed state of mind, allowing for creativity and flexibility during improvisation. It helps maintain focus, reduce stress, and foster spontaneity, enabling one to adapt quickly to the changing dynamics of an improvised situation.
Being authentic can be a good thing in that often people who are fixated on that are also fixated on having very high standards, so they may maintain something they think has tremendous value. On the other hand, most of the kinds of music that I've been excited about are hybrid in their origins.
- Edgar Meyer
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