My future is in my past and my past is my present. I must now make the present my future.
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The essence of music lies beyond just the notes; it requires deeper understanding and interpretation.
In this quote, Vladimir Horowitz emphasizes that true appreciation of music involves looking beyond the superficial elements, such as the notes themselves, to uncover the emotions and stories that lie beneath. He suggests that regardless of the composer, the interpretation and depth of understanding are what truly bring music to life.
Themes
MusicInterpretationNotesBachUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about musical interpretation, one could use this quote to illustrate the importance of understanding the emotional context of music.
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.
Vladimir HorowitzRead
The score is not a bible, and I am never afraid to dare. The music is behind those dots.
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
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.
Vladimir HorowitzRead
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