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About this quote

What does it mean?
Sibelius contrasts his straightforward musical style with the complex, ornate styles of other modern composers.
In plain terms
I keep my music simple and pure while others make it complicated.
What can you take from it?
Simplicity in art can be a powerful choice against complexity.

Where it applies

  • composition
  • artistic critique
  • music listening

Putting it to work

  • stripping down ideas
  • focusing on core elements

Questions to consider

  • Is simplicity more honest than complexity?
  • When does too much decoration hurt art?

Another view

Simplicity might not appeal to audiences seeking complexity or innovation.

More from Jean Sibelius

  1. If I could express the same thing with words as with music, I would, of course, use a verbal expression. Music is something autonomous and much richer. Music b…

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  2. Never pay any attention to what critics say:Remember, a statue has never been set up in honour of a critic!

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  3. Music is for me like a beautiful mosaic which God has put together. He takes all the pieces in his hand, throws them into the world, and we have to recreate th…

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