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About this quote

What does it mean?
Music should soothe even in dark times, never hurting the listener.
In plain terms
Even scary music should still sound like music, not pain.
What can you take from it?
Music must remain pleasing regardless of context.

Where it applies

  • film scoring
  • performance
  • composition

Putting it to work

  • compose for listener comfort
  • balance tension and melody

Questions to consider

  • Should music always be pleasant?
  • How does context change music's role?

Another view

Some genres intentionally use dissonance to evoke discomfort.

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