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About this quote

What does it mean?
A critic noted that Jack Benny played Mendelssohn, but Mendelssohn 'lost,' implying Benny was not skilled enough.
In plain terms
A critic said Benny did not play Mendelssohn well.
What can you take from it?
Performance reviews can be sharp and humorous.

Where it applies

  • reviewing performances
  • jokes about music
  • critiquing talent

Putting it to work

  • writing reviews
  • assessing musical talent

Questions to consider

  • What makes a musical performance successful?
  • How do critics convey opinions?

Another view

The quote is a one-liner that simplifies a complex performance critique.

More from Jack Benny

  1. Benny has done more than raise millions of dollars to erase operating deficits of major orchestras. He has brought multitudes of people who would not otherwise…

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  2. His violin always plays off-key, but his humor is never off-color. ~ Ronald Reagan

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  3. (when asked how well her father played the violin) Well, let me put it this way. He doesn't play as well as Jascha Heifetz - but then, who does? ~ Joan Benny

    Permalink to quote #106

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