"I used to look at these pictures of trumpeters pointing their instrument to the ceiling. Stunning pictures, but if you play the trumpet and point it upwards, all the spit comes back into your mouth!"
- Humphrey Lyttelton
About this Quote
Humphrey Lyttelton's quote offers a humorous and informative reflection on the attractive perceptions versus the useful truths of playing the trumpet. Through his words, Lyttelton touches upon the disconnection that can exist in between an artist's perception from afar and the nuanced, often untidy truths of the craft itself.
Initially look, Lyttelton's observation has to do with the visual appeal of renowned images showing trumpeters considerably pointing their instruments towards the ceiling. Such images are certainly striking, representing the effective, expressive nature of music, and can stimulate a sense of aspiration and marvel. They catch the magnificence and explosiveness of a trumpet performance, raising the artist to a near-superhero status. For an audience unfamiliar with the intricacies of trumpet playing, these images might represent the epitome of musical expression and virtuosity.
Nevertheless, Lyttelton juxtaposes this romantic images with the useful challenges faced by trumpeters. When the trumpet is pointed upwards, saliva-- which accumulates as "spit" in the instrument-- flows back towards the artist. This practical information, often neglected by non-musicians, is a pointer of the physical and in some cases unglamorous elements of musicianship. Lyttelton's amusing tone highlights the disparity between public understanding and the lived experience of musicians.
Beyond its actual meaning, the quote can be interpreted metaphorically. It recommends a broader commentary on the nature of artistry and the human tendency to concentrate on external appearances rather than the complexities behind them. In any art type, there is a balance in between the polished, public-facing image and the truth of effort, flaw, and sometimes uneasy truths.
In essence, Lyttelton's words act as an amusing reminder to appreciate the full scope of creative ventures, recognizing both the appeal of outward expression and the truths that make it possible.
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