My music is best understood by children and animals.
Igor StravinskyRead
I was born out of due time in the sense that by temperament and talent I should have been more suited for the life of a small Bach, living in anonymity and composing regularly for an established service and for God.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Stravinsky reflects on feeling out of place in his time and suggests he would have thrived in a simpler, more traditional artistic environment.
Igor Stravinsky expresses a sense of timelessness and misalignment with the era in which he lived. He believes that his temperament and talents are better aligned with a life of quiet creativity and devotion, akin to that of Johann Sebastian Bach, where he could focus on regular compositions for worship rather than the complexities and demands of the modern world. This sentiment highlights the challenge artists often face in navigating their unique gifts within the frameworks and expectations of their time.
Themes
StravinskyArtCreativityTraditionMusic
In practice
Example use cases
During an art seminar discussing the challenges artists face, this quote can illustrate the difficulty of fitting into contemporary expectations.
More from Igor Stravinsky
All quotes βConductors' careers are made for the most part with 'Romantic' music. 'Classic' music eliminates the conductor; we do not remember him in it.
Igor StravinskyRead
The trouble with music appreciation in general is that people are taught to have too much respect for music they should be taught to love it instead.
Igor StravinskyRead
Invention presupposes imagination but should not be confused with it.
Igor StravinskyRead
A composer is not only an architect but also an inventor, and he should not build houses in which he cannot live.
Igor StravinskyRead
Music must be listened to; it is not enough to hear it. A duck hears also.
Igor StravinskyRead
Similar quotes
The Beauty raised her eyes, the only part of her that was truly beautiful.
George R. R. MartinRead
Just as anyone who listens to the muse will hear, you can write out of your own intention or out of inspiration. There is such a thing. It comes up and talks. And those who have heard deeply the rhythms and hymns of the gods, can recite those hymns in such a way that the gods will be attracted.
Joseph CampbellRead
I think every actor would wish there is some challenge that is left. I would consider to be creatively dead if I were to say that I am satisfied now.
Amitabh BachchanRead
Music is the best means we have of digesting time.
W. H. AudenRead
A man must love a thing very much if he not only practices it without any hope of fame and money, but even... without any hope of doing it well.
Oliver HerfordRead
I'd been painting rats for three years before someone said 'that's clever it's an anagram of art' and I had to pretend I'd known that all along.
BanksyRead