Igor Stravinsky: 'The trouble with music appreciation in general is that people are taught to have too much respect for music they should be taught to love it instead.'

The trouble with music appreciation in general is that people are taught to have too much respect for music they should be taught to love it instead.

The quote by Igor Stravinsky, "The trouble with music appreciation in general is that people are taught to have too much respect for music; they should be taught to love it instead," offers a profound insight into the way we approach and perceive music. Essentially, Stravinsky suggests that instead of placing an overwhelming emphasis on reverence and understanding, we should focus on cultivating a genuine love and passion for music. This quote holds significant importance as it challenges traditional notions of music appreciation and encourages a more emotional and personal connection to the art form.However, let us now delve into an unexpected philosophical concept that can shed a new light on Stravinsky's quote. The concept of existentialism, pioneered by philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche, can offer an intriguing perspective on the contrast between respect and love in music appreciation. Existentialism asserts that human existence is characterized by freedom, choice, and responsibility, emphasizing the individual's subjective experience and personal attachment to the world.In the same vein, music appreciation can also be approached through an existential lens. While respect for music typically stems from a collective understanding of its technical aspects and historical context, love for music emerges from a deeply personal and subjective connection. It is a sentiment that surpasses intellectual comprehension and dives straight into the realm of emotions and personal interpretation. When we truly love music, we intimately connect with its melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, allowing them to touch our souls and evoke profound emotional responses.Contrasting respect and love in music appreciation uncovers an intriguing dynamic where respect may inhibit our ability to experience music on a more emotional and personal level. When we are too focused on understanding the intricacies of a composition or the genius of a composer, we can inadvertently detach ourselves from the raw emotional impact that music can have. This overemphasis on respect alone may lead to a shallow engagement with the art form, devoid of the joy, wonder, and transformative power that love brings.By prioritizing love in music appreciation, we open ourselves up to a more authentic, meaningful, and fulfilling experience. When we let go of the burden of understanding every technical nuance or historical significance, we can embrace music with a sense of freedom and openness. Instead of approaching music as an academic exercise, we can allow ourselves to be completely enveloped by its melodies and lyrics, to follow the rise and fall of its harmonies, and to let it transport us to otherworldly realms.Moreover, cultivating love for music can inspire creative expression, personal growth, and emotional well-being. Through music, we can find solace in times of distress, experience catharsis, connect with others, and even forge our own identities. It becomes a language that transcends cultural barriers, a universal medium through which we can communicate our deepest fears, desires, and joys.In conclusion, Igor Stravinsky's quote provides a thought-provoking perspective on music appreciation. The excessive emphasis on respect can sometimes hinder our ability to wholeheartedly love and connect with music. By approaching music in an existential manner, emphasizing the subjective experience and personal connection it holds, we can cultivate a deeper, more meaningful relationship with this art form. Fostering love for music allows us to transcend intellectual understanding and enter the realm of pure emotion, where music has the power to enrich our lives in ways that mere respect alone cannot achieve. So, let us shed the weight of excessive respect and embrace the transformative power of genuine love for music.