Mozart does not give the listener time to catch his breath, for no sooner is one inclined to reflect upon a beautiful inspiration than another appears, even more splendid, which drives away the first, and this continues on and on, so that in the end one is unable to retain any of these beauties in the memory. ~ Karl Ditters von Dittersdorf
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Mozart's music moves so quickly from one beautiful idea to the next that listeners cannot hold onto any single moment.
- In plain terms
- His melodies come so fast you can't remember them all.
- What can you take from it?
- Rapid succession of beauty can overwhelm memory and reflection.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you hold onto beautiful moments?
- Is it better to experience or remember art?
Another view
Some art thrives on constant motion rather than retention.
More from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart tapped the source from which all music flows, expressing himself with a spontaneity and refinement and breathtaking rightness. ~ Aaron Copland
Permalink to quote #48 Mozart began his works in childhood and a childlike quality lurked in his compositions until it dawned on him that the Requiem he was writing for a stranger wa…
Permalink to quote #50 Mozart encompasses the entire domain of musical creation, but I've got only the keyboard in my poor head. ~ Frederic Chopin
Permalink to quote #47
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