"I am certainly not arguing for the de facto autonomy of the individual work, even though there is much to be said for making the attempt to see it in that light as one facet of the reception process"

In this quote, Brian Ferneyhough deals with the complex relationship between private masterpieces and the more comprehensive contexts in which they are gotten and analyzed. He starts by distancing himself from the notion of "de facto autonomy", suggesting that he does not believe individual works exist in a vacuum, separated from their cultural, historic, and social contexts. This position opposes the concept that art can or should be entirely independent in its analysis and meaning, suggesting rather that external factors play a vital role in forming these aspects.

In spite of his rejection of full autonomy for private works, Ferneyhough acknowledges the value in attempting to view them as autonomous entities, a minimum of as one facet of the reception procedure. Here, he appears to advocate for a dual approach to comprehending art-- one that recognizes both the intrinsic qualities of a work and its extrinsic impacts. By suggesting that there is "much to be said" for this point of view, he suggests that seeing a work in isolation can yield insights into its unique characteristics, structure, and intent that might otherwise be eclipsed by its contextual background.

This balance highlights the dynamic nature of art reception: while a piece is undoubtedly influenced by the artist's environment and the audience's personal experiences, examining it as a standalone work can deepen our appreciation and understanding of its distinct elements. Ferneyhough's perspective encourages a more nuanced engagement with art, where we acknowledge the inevitable interaction in between an art work and its context while also valuing its potential to stand on its own.

In essence, Ferneyhough's statement supporters for a holistic technique to art interpretation, allowing space for specific assessment without ignoring the wider contextual forces at play. This technique enriches our understanding of art, acknowledging its intricacy and the wide range of factors that affect both creation and reception.