"I'm not too fond of changing things into waltzes, but sometimes that works"
About this Quote
Marian McPartland, an iconic figure in jazz, often checked out the crossway of tradition and development in her music. This quote, "I'm not too fond of changing things into waltzes, however sometimes that works", encapsulates her nuanced approach to musical adaptation and re-arrangement.
At its core, the declaration exposes her ambivalence towards modifying compositions into a waltz format, which is defined by its unique 3/4 time signature. A waltz, typically associated with beauty and a particular rhythmic pattern, often contrasts with the more different and complicated timings found in jazz. McPartland's belief may come from a respect for the initial structure and intent of a composition, or maybe from a personal choice for exploring other musical kinds more lined up with jazz's improvisational spirit.
However, she acknowledges that changing a piece into a waltz "in some cases ... works". This caveat suggests an openness to experimentation and the possibilities that arise from stepping outside standard limits. The expression indicates that while she might have bookings, the art of reimagining music can yield unexpectedly effective outcomes. This shows a wider viewpoint in jazz and art in general, where rule-breaking and reinterpretation are not just allowed however motivated.
McPartland's quote likewise speaks to the balance in between artistic choices and the demands of imaginative expression. As a pianist and author, she was understood for her versatility and willingness to check out diverse styles and techniques. The admission that waltz changes can be efficient aligns with her more comprehensive tradition as a musician who appreciated custom but was never bound by it.
In essence, this quote underscores the stress between personal taste and imaginative expedition. It functions as a suggestion of the prospective beauty found in unanticipated places, and the value of remaining open up to possibilities-- a trademark of McPartland's enduring influence in jazz.
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