Great music is that which penetrates the ear with facility and leaves the memory with difficulty. Magical music never leaves the memory.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Great music is easy to hear but hard to forget; magical music stays in the mind forever.
- In plain terms
- Good music is easy to listen to and hard to forget.
- What can you take from it?
- The best music combines accessibility with lasting impact.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What music stays with you?
- Is accessibility necessary for great art?
Another view
Some complex music may take time to appreciate but still leave a mark.
More from Thomas Beecham
Asked if he had ever conducted any Stockhausen, he said, 'No, but I once trod in some.'
Permalink to quote #2 Too much counterpoint; what is worse, Protestant counterpoint.
Permalink to quote #3 A musicologist is a man who can read music but can't hear it.
Permalink to quote #4
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