First of all, I swore it was two people playing. When I finally admitted to myself that was one man, I gave up the piano for a month. I figured it was hopeless to practice.
Oscar PetersonRead
I despair about the lack of proper respect shown for the piano. If you want it to sound like a traffic jam, go out in the street and forget the piano. That's not a piano sound.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of respecting the true sound and artistry of the piano.
Oscar Peterson highlights a common misunderstanding and misuse of the piano. He argues that to truly appreciate the instrument, one must recognize its unique sound and potential, rather than allowing it to be drowned out by the chaos of everyday life. His remark implies a need for mindfulness and reverence for music and artistic expression.
Themes
PianoMusicRespectArtistrySound
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote during a music appreciation class to stress the importance of understanding musical instruments.
More from Oscar Peterson
All quotes →Too many jazz pianists limit themselves to a personal style, a trademark, so to speak. They confine themselves to one type of playing.
Oscar PetersonRead
I don't believe that a lot of the things I hear on the air today are going to be played for as long a time as Coleman Hawkins records or Brahms concertos.
Oscar PetersonRead
It's the group sound that's important, even when you're playing a solo. You not only have to know your own instrument, you must know the others and how to back them up at all times. That's jazz.
Oscar PetersonRead
Montreal was a very active jazz center until club owners started putting in strippers instead of music. Before long, there was nothing to hear.
Oscar PetersonRead
Too many jazz pianists limit themselves to a personal style, a trademark, so to speak. They confine themselves to one type of playing. I believe in using the entire piano as a single instrument capable of expressing every possible musical idea. I have no one style. I play as I feel.
Oscar PetersonRead
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