ByQuotes

John Corigliano Quotes

Powerful John Corigliano for Daily Growth

About John Corigliano

John Corigliano, an eminent American composer, was born on February 16, 1938, in New York City. He is the elder of two sons born to Alexander and Lillian (Finkel) Corigliano, both musicians. His father was a violinist with the New York Philharmonic, and his mother, a piano teacher. Growing up amidst music, Corigliano began studying piano at the age of four and composition at 14. Corigliano's early musical influences were diverse, ranging from Mozart to Gershwin, Copland to Stravinsky. However, it was his experiences as a teenage clarinetist in the New York Philharmonic Youth Symphony that shaped his compositional voice. His first major work, "Doublespeak," composed when he was just 20 years old, was performed by Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic in 1958. Corigliano's career took a significant turn during the Vietnam War when his younger brother, Andrew, died as a soldier. This personal tragedy profoundly influenced his compositions, such as "Of Rage and Remembrance" and the opera "The Ghosts of Versailles." In 2001, Corigliano's Symphony No. 1 was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music. His most famous work, the Oscar-winning soundtrack for the film "Altered States," also showcases his versatility in combining classical and contemporary styles. Throughout his career, John Corigliano has been a prolific composer, creating works that are both emotionally resonant and technically brilliant. His music continues to be performed worldwide, making significant contributions to the American classical music scene.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Great music does not repeat the past, but enlarges it."

This quote suggests that great music doesn't simply rehash what has already been done, but rather expands upon it, adding new layers and dimensions to our understanding of music and its history. It implies that each composition has the potential to build upon existing musical knowledge, techniques, and traditions in innovative ways, thereby increasing the richness and complexity of our collective musical heritage. In other words, great music doesn't just reiterate the past, but enlarges it by pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the realm of music.

"Music is a language that doesn't speak in particular words. It speaks in emotions, and if it's any good, three minutes after you've heard it, the emotions can still be there."

This quote by John Corigliano emphasizes that music transcends the boundaries of verbal language. Instead, it communicates through universal emotions, evoking feelings in listeners regardless of their native tongue or cultural background. The lasting impact of good music lies not just in its immediate auditory experience, but also in the lingering emotional resonance it leaves behind.

"I believe that great music, especially for concert performances, should be somewhat mysterious at least to some people."

This quote suggests that composer John Corigliano believes that exceptional music, particularly pieces performed in concerts, should retain an element of enigma or unresolved understanding for some listeners. In other words, the best music has layers of complexity that invite interpretation and allow room for personal discovery. This mystery can spark curiosity, stimulate intellectual engagement, and contribute to a richer, more meaningful musical experience.

"Music is a vast, open sea. It has shores, but no bottom."

This quote implies that music is boundless, infinite in its potential and unexplored depths. Just as an ocean has shores that can be seen and touched, music also has definable elements such as melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. However, like the sea's depths, music extends infinitely, offering limitless possibilities for creation and interpretation. This quote emphasizes the vastness of the musical world and invites exploration of its endless mysteries.

"The best musicians are those who remain open to the unexpected and unplanned in their music making."

This quote emphasizes the importance of adaptability, creativity, and spontaneity in the realm of music-making. The "best" musicians are not only those who faithfully adhere to a predetermined plan but also those who embrace the serendipitous, the unscripted, and the improvisational. They are open to experiencing the organic evolution of their work, allowing it to breathe, flow, and grow in unexpected ways, resulting in music that is vibrant, dynamic, and genuinely expressive.

Art is not only about angst.

- John Corigliano

Art, Only, About, Angst

I find respect for a mediocre British composer, as opposed to a really good American, ridiculous because they automatically respect a composer if he's from England.

- John Corigliano

England, Composer, Opposed, Automatically

The structural thinking I use in the concert hall is unnecessary to most film projects, and most film composers make better use of the enormous range of pop and other materials and techniques required of them than I probably would, faced with the same challenge.

- John Corigliano

Other, Projects, Composers, Materials

Jazz is not the popular culture. Jazz is in the same position in our culture as classical music. A very small minority of people really love it.

- John Corigliano

Love, Small, Very, Popular Culture

The French Revolution is the ultimate modernist statement. Destroy everything. Don't build on the past. There is no past.

- John Corigliano

Build, Ultimate, Modernist, French

I don't think that the Pulitzer should be given the way it is. I think the competition should be anonymous. I think completely different people would win it if the names were taken off because a lot of it is done on relationships and names.

- John Corigliano

Competition, I Think, Lot, Anonymous

I have tremendous respect for film composers.

- John Corigliano

Film, Composers, Tremendous, Tremendous Respect

I'm glad I won it because when I grew up the Pulitzer was the award that every composer wanted and I was like that too.

- John Corigliano

Like, Composer, Grew, Pulitzer

You become a great composer when you win a Pulitzer. But I think that now it's a completely meaningless award.

- John Corigliano

Think, I Think, Composer, Pulitzer

I always conceive a piece as a different set of challenges.

- John Corigliano

Always, Set, Piece, Conceive

Eighty percent of my pieces gravitate towards an A, as a tonal thing, not at the beginning, but somewhere in it.

- John Corigliano

Beginning, Pieces, Gravitate, Tonal

I think it's good for the composer to teach because you always have new students and you have to begin at the beginning and make things clear.

- John Corigliano

Think, New, Always, Composer

I think art can reflect tragedy.

- John Corigliano

Art, Think, Reflect, Tragedy

What I think of as style - and I've gotten to this over years of really thinking about it - is that style is the unconscious choices I make.

- John Corigliano

Think, Over, I Think, Unconscious

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.