My future is in my past and my past is my present. I must now make the present my future.
Vladimir HorowitzRead
For me, the intellect is always the guide but not the goal of the performance. Three things have to be coordinated, and not one must stick out. Not too much intellect because it can become scholastic. Not too much heart because it can become schmaltz. Not too much technique because you become a mechanic.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the balance between intellect, emotion, and technique in performance art.
Vladimir Horowitz highlights the importance of harmonizing intellect, emotion, and technical skill in artistic performance. He warns against overemphasizing any one aspect, as too much intellect can lead to a cold, academic approach, too much emotion can lead to excessive sentimentality, and too much technique can turn a performer into a mere technician without artistic expression. The true essence of performance lies in the seamless integration of these elements.
Themes
ArtPerformanceIntellectEmotionTechniqueBalance
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on performance art, one might quote this to illustrate the importance of a well-rounded approach.
More from Vladimir Horowitz
All quotes →I may play the same program from one recital to the next, but I will play it differently, and because it is always different, it is always new.
Vladimir HorowitzRead
I must tell you I take terrible risks. Because my playing is very clear, when I make a mistake you hear it. If you want me to play only the notes without any specific dynamics, I will never make one mistake. Never be afraid to dare.
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The score is not a bible, and I am never afraid to dare. The music is behind those dots.
Vladimir HorowitzRead
You have to open the music, so to speak, and see what's behind the notes because the notes are the same whether it is the music of Bach or someone else.
Vladimir HorowitzRead
Always there should be a little mistake here and there - I am for it. The people who don't do mistakes are cold like ice. It takes risk to make a mistake. If you don't take risk, you are boring.
Vladimir HorowitzRead
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