I have always kept one end in view, namely ... to conduct a well-regulated church music to the honour of God.
Johann Sebastian BachRead
I play the notes as they are written, but it is God who makes the music.
Interpretation
What this quote means
While the performer follows the written notes, the true essence comes from a higher power that brings the music to life.
This quote expresses the idea that, although we may follow a predetermined structure or set of rules in our craft, the true inspiration and creativity come from a divine source. It highlights the collaboration between human effort and a greater force, suggesting that our skills are complemented by something beyond our control that truly shapes the outcome.
Themes
MusicCreativityDivineArtInspiration
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used to inspire musicians during rehearsals to remember the importance of feeling the music.
More from Johann Sebastian Bach
All quotes βMusic's only purpose should be for the glory of God and the recreation _x000D_ of the human spirit.
Johann Sebastian BachRead
On one of those rare occasions when Bach appraised his own life's work, he remarked: I worked hard.
Johann Sebastian BachRead
I worked hard. Anyone who works as hard as I did can achieve the same results.
Johann Sebastian BachRead
God's gift to his sorrowing creatures is a joy worthy of their destiny.
Johann Sebastian BachRead
Similar quotes
There are things which some people never attempt during their whole lives, but one of these is not poetry. Poetry attacks all human beings sooner or later, and, like the measles, is mild or violent according to the age of the sufferer.
Mark TwainRead
Music is an extraordinary vehicle for expressing emotion - very powerful emotions. That's what draws millions of people towards it. And, um, I found myself always going for these darker places and - people identify with that.
Annie LennoxRead
The essential is to excite the spectators. If that means playing Hamlet on a flying trapeze or in an aquarium, you do it.
Orson WellesRead
First of all, to do performance art, you really have to give 100 percent. I only know that I have to give 100 percent and then what happens, happens.
Marina AbramovicRead
Dancing is bigger than the physical body. Think bigger than that. When you extend your arm, it doesn't stop at the end of your fingers, because you're dancing bigger than that. You're dancing spirit.
Judith JamisonRead
May what I do flow from me like a river, no forcing and no holding back, the way it is with children.
Rainer Maria RilkeRead