It appears to me that the subject of music, from Machaut to Boulez, has always been its construction. Melodies of 12-tone rows just don't happen. They must be constructed....To demonstrate any formal idea in music, whether structure or stricture, is a matter of construction, in which the methodology is the controlling metaphor of the composition...Only by 'unfixing' the elements traditionally used to construct a piece of music could the sounds exist in themselves--not as symbols, or memories which were memories of other music to begin with.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Music requires deliberate construction, not just natural occurrence.
- In plain terms
- Music is built by design, not by accident.
- What can you take from it?
- Intentional structure is key to creating music.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How is music constructed?
- Does structure limit creativity?
Another view
It downplays the role of improvisation in some genres.
More from Morton Feldman
After all, Jews invented psychiatry to help other Jews become Gentiles.
Permalink to quote #2 ...The tragedy of music is that it begins with perfection.
Permalink to quote #4 The composer makes plans, music laughs.
Permalink to quote #1
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