"Silence is not the absence of sound, but the absence of perception."
This quote emphasizes that silence, often perceived as the absence of sound, is actually the absence of our ability to perceive or listen. For someone like Evelyn Glennie, a world-renowned percussionist who is deaf in her ears but hears vibrations through her body, silence may not exist in the same way that most people experience it. It underscores the importance of perception and listening skills in our understanding of the world around us, suggesting that what we perceive as silent or insignificant might hold deeper meaning if we pay closer attention.
"Music is the language of the spirit. It opens up so many possibilities."
This quote by Evelyn Glennie suggests that music, like a universal language, transcends physical boundaries to connect us on a spiritual level. Its power lies in its ability to stimulate emotion and communicate feelings beyond words. Music, therefore, serves as an avenue for self-expression, creativity, and exploration of ideas and experiences. Its openness to interpretation allows it to speak to each listener uniquely, fostering personal growth and expanding our collective understanding of the human spirit.
"I often say that my instrument is the air around me."
This quote by Evelyn Glennie, a renowned percussionist who is also deaf, underscores her unique approach to music-making. She views the space around her as her instrument, suggesting she uses the environment itself (acoustics, vibrations, ambient sounds) to create and shape her music, relying less on traditional musical instruments due to her hearing impairment. This perspective emphasizes creativity, adaptability, and a profound connection with sound in its most natural form.
"Every object in our environment has a sound, it's just a question of whether we choose to listen."
This quote by Evelyn Glennie highlights the importance of active listening and perception in understanding our world. It suggests that everything around us – from the rustling of leaves to the hum of a machine – has a unique sound, waiting to be heard. The quote encourages us to open ourselves up to the richness of sounds in our environment, rather than ignoring or overlooking them. This perspective can lead to a heightened appreciation for our surroundings and fosters a deeper connection with the world we inhabit.
"My goal is to have people think about percussion in an entirely new way."
Evelyn Glennie's quote suggests her ambition lies in challenging and reshaping societal perspectives on percussion music. She aims to move beyond the traditional understanding of percussion as a supporting or rhythmic element, instead inviting people to view it as a standalone art form capable of expressing a broad range of emotions and narratives. This fresh perspective could lead to innovative compositions, performances, and collaborations that push the boundaries of what is possible with percussive instruments.
There's still a lot I need to do as a player, as a musician, as a sound creator. I have commissioned 170 pieces: that's still not enough, there are still lots and lots of composers I would like to approach. When I see a composer and I see a performer, I think to combine those forces.
- Evelyn Glennie
My first real foreign holiday was my honeymoon 20 years ago, and we went to Bali. It was particularly special for that reason, I enjoyed it very much - I had packed music scores and a practice drum pad, suspecting that I would be completely bored, but actually they remained in my case.
- Evelyn Glennie
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