Igor Stravinsky: 'Harpists spend 90 percent of their lives tuning their harps and 10 percent playing out of tune.'

Harpists spend 90 percent of their lives tuning their harps and 10 percent playing out of tune.

The quote by Igor Stravinsky, "Harpists spend 90 percent of their lives tuning their harps and 10 percent playing out of tune," serves as a humorous yet profound observation about the challenges faced by harpists. At face value, the quote suggests that harpists dedicate a significant portion of their time to the tedious task of tuning their instruments, leaving only a small portion for actual performance. This straightforward interpretation highlights the technical aspect of being a harpist and emphasizes the importance of maintaining the instrument's pitch-perfect sound. However, delving deeper, one can uncover a thought-provoking philosophical concept that lies beneath the surface.This quote can be seen as an analogy for life itself. Just as harpists spend the majority of their time tuning their harps, so too do we spend a great deal of our lives preparing and perfecting various aspects of our existence. We commit ourselves to educating and improving ourselves, working towards goals, and striving for success. The relentless pursuit of tuning our metaphorical "harp" could be seen as our way of ensuring that we are ready to perform to the best of our abilities.But what happens when we actually begin to "play" our lives? Stravinsky's humorous remark implies that even after meticulous tuning, there is still room for imperfection. The harpists spend a mere 10 percent of their time playing "out of tune." This sentiment reminds us that despite our best efforts, life will always be filled with unexpected challenges and moments of "playing out of tune." It is in these moments that we truly learn about ourselves and grow as individuals.This unexpected philosophical concept prompts us to reflect on the importance of balance in life. While preparation, planning, and self-improvement are undeniably vital ingredients for success, it is equally crucial to embrace and accept life's imperfections. After all, it is through these imperfections that our true character and resilience shine.Moreover, the quote illustrates the delicate blend of artistry and technicality that harpists, and by extension, all artists, must master. The harp is a notoriously intricate and complex instrument to tune, requiring precision and expertise. Similarly, our lives as individuals can be seen as a delicate instrument that necessitates diligent tuning. Just as harpists need to strike a balance between precision and expression when performing, we must also find harmony between our carefully crafted preparation and our spontaneous engagement with the world.Stravinsky's quote challenges us to view the act of tuning not as a monotonous drudgery, but as an essential and ongoing process that prepares us for the unpredictable symphony of life. It encourages us to appreciate both the effort we put into preparing ourselves and the joy we derive from embracing the imperfect beauty that life has to offer. Ultimately, it reminds us that, much like harpists, we must navigate the intricate and ever-changing dance between preparation and improvisation, precision and imperfection. And it is within this dance that we can discover the true essence of our own harmonious existence.