QuoteProject
Music must be listened to; it is not enough to hear it. A duck hears also.
Igor Stravinsky
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Music requires active engagement to be fully appreciated, not just passive hearing.

Igor Stravinsky emphasizes that truly experiencing music goes beyond simply hearing sound; it necessitates an attentive and emotional engagement. Just like a duck might perceive sounds without understanding or appreciating them, many people might hear music without delving into its depth and richness, which diminishes the overall experience.

Themes

MusicListeningEngagementAppreciationSound

In practice

Example use cases

In a lecture about the importance of engaging with art, this quote can be used to illustrate how active participation enriches our experiences.

More from Igor Stravinsky

My music is best understood by children and animals.
Igor StravinskyRead
Conductors' 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
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.
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

Similar quotes

People say graffiti is ugly, irresponsible and childish... but that's only if it's done properly.
BanksyRead
Once a song and dance man, always a song and dance man. Those few words tell as much about me professionally as there is to tell.
James CagneyRead
We're always observing, and we're cautious people. We really want attention, but at the same time, we're ashamed of wanting attention. All those bizarre qualities of being outside are necessary for being a writer.
Min Jin LeeRead
In music, silence is more important than sound.
Miles DavisRead
Poetry is a deal of joy and pain and wonder, with a dash of the dictionary.
Khalil GibranRead
I wanted to emulate music from America - young punks playing rock n' roll is what it was. I read part of Keith Richards' autobiography, and it was totally parallel with me, learning from American records.
Jimmy PageRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.