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About this quote

What does it mean?
European composers may lack big ideas but excel at presentation.
In plain terms
They have small ideas but dress them up well.
What can you take from it?
Presentation can hide weak concepts.

Where it applies

  • reviewing art
  • discussing style
  • comparing cultures

Putting it to work

  • focus on substance not just style
  • avoid superficial polish

Questions to consider

  • Does style matter more than substance?
  • How do cultures differ in art?

Another view

This generalization overlooks many innovative European works.

More from George Gershwin

  1. I frequently hear music in the heart of noise.

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  2. My people are American, my time is today:music must repeat the thought and aspirations of the times.

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  3. The composer does not sit around and wait for an inspiration to walk up and introduce itself:Making music is actually little else than a matter of invention ai…

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