If they cut off both hands, I will compose music anyway holding the pen in my teeth.
Dmitri ShostakovichRead
Real music is always revolutionary, for it cements the ranks of the people; it arouses them and leads them onward.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Real music inspires and unites people for change and progression.
Dmitri Shostakovich emphasizes the transformative power of music, suggesting that genuine artistic expression can mobilize and inspire communities to strive for revolution and progress. Music is portrayed not just as entertainment, but as a catalyst for social change, rallying people together for a common cause.
Themes
MusicRevolutionUnityInspirationChange
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech at a music festival, one might quote this to highlight the role of music in social movements.
More from Dmitri Shostakovich
All quotes βI write music, itβs performed. After all, my music says it all. It doesnβt need historical and hysterical commentaries. In the long run, any words about music are less important than the music.
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What you have in your head, put down on paper. The head is a fragile vessel.
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When a man is in despair, it means that he still believes in something.
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The best way to hold on to something is to pay no attention to it. The things you love too much perish. You have to treat everything with irony, especially the things you hold dear. There's more of a chance then that they'll survive.
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Football is the ballet of the masses.
Dmitri ShostakovichRead
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