"A good interpreter can take a piece of bad music and make it sound pretty decent, while a bad interpreter can take good music and make it sound cheap. I can tell that some people have a bad taste, and unlike on the piano, they smear around a lot, that is bad taste"

Ruggiero Ricci's quote speaks with the value of interpretation in music. He is suggesting that an excellent interpreter can take a piece of bad music and make it sound decent, while a bad interpreter can take excellent music and make it sound inexpensive. He is suggesting that interpretation is a skill that requires a particular level of taste and skill. He likewise suggests that some people have a bad taste in music, and that they tend to "smear around a lot" when playing, which he considers to be bad taste. Ricci's quote highlights the importance of interpretation in music, and how it can make or break a piece of music. He is recommending that an excellent interpreter can take a piece of bad music and make it sound decent, while a bad interpreter can take excellent music and make it sound inexpensive. He is stressing the importance of having a good sense of taste and finesse when interpreting music, as it can make or break a piece of music. Ultimately, Ricci's quote talks to the significance of interpretation in music, and how it can make or break a piece of music.