Posted by Rick Denney on May 04, 2001 at 10:06:06:
In Reply to: quotations posted by frances m on May 03, 2001 at 08:11:31:
Several good ones from Vaughan Williams (from memory--forgive small errors):
"I don't know whether I like it, but it's what I meant at the time." Of the 4th Symphony.
"It is about F minor." Also of the 4th Symphony, when asked what it was about.
"Yes, I know it LOOKS wrong, and it SOUNDS wrong, but it's right." In response to a clarinet player who was confused by a particular note.
"My boy, if you happen to think of a tune, ANY tune, by all means do write it down." Responding to a student who had turned in an assignment based on a tone-row.
All of these point to two other great principles:
"Do not break the rules before learning them." Author unremembered, and
"Live life on purpose" also from an unremembered author.
Rick "don't quote me" Denney