“Music is not black and white. It is every color, and some that even painters don’t have. What is music all about? The instrument is not that important. It is a means to an end. In other words, you don’t use music to play the violin, you use the violin to play music. Everytime you pick up the instrument you are making a statement, your statement. And it must be a statement of faith that you believe this is the way you want to speak.” Isaac Stern, From Mao to Mozart
I really like the way he describes what music is. Thank you for posting his outlook on music.
Ciao, Francina
My pleasure! I believe he describes the essence of both music and the composer/interpreter/performer, a view which really can be related to sense of purpose for anyone in any pursuit.
The film is well worth the time to watch, also, if you find interest in the influence of western classical music in modern China.
Cheers,
George
As a musician (i play sitar /acoustic guitar), I appreciate the above statement…what a superb blog! cheers.
He possessed a wealth of wisdom and inspiration. I suppose that is one reason he became one of the eminent performers of his time. Cheers!