Starting in the middle of a musical sentence and moving in both directions at once.
John ColtraneRead
I never even thought about whether or not they understand what I'm doing . . . the emotional reaction is all that matters as long as there's some feeling of communication, it isn't necessary that it be understood.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The essence of expression lies in evoking emotions rather than achieving understanding.
John Coltrane's quote highlights the importance of emotional connection in artistic communication. It suggests that the impact of art is measured by the feelings it elicits in the audience rather than the precise understanding of its content, emphasizing that art's primary role is to communicate deep emotions and experiences.
Themes
EmotionCommunicationArtFeelingExpression
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote to inspire artists at a workshop about emotional expression in music.
More from John Coltrane
All quotes →When you begin to see the possibilities of music, you desire to do something really good for people.
John ColtraneRead
I'd like to point out to people the divine in a musical language that transcends words. I want to speak to their souls.
John ColtraneRead
I start from one point and go as far as possible. But, unfortunately, I never lose my way. I 'localize,' which is to say that I think always in a given space. I rarely think of the whole of a solo, and only very briefly. I always return to the small part of the solo that I was in the process of playing.
John ColtraneRead
In the year of 1957, I experienced, by the grace of God, a spiritual awakening, which was to lead me to a richer, fuller, more productive life.
John ColtraneRead
Sometimes I wish I could walk up to my music for the first time, as if I had never heard it before.
John ColtraneRead
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