"My upbringing made me think that real legitimate music is written, not heard"

Dan Fogelberg's quote, "My upbringing made me think that real genuine music is written, not heard", delves into the artist's understanding of music, formed by his developmental experiences and environment. Initially glance, the quote suggests an upbringing deeply rooted in the worths of structure and formalism, possibly acquired from parents or mentors who highlighted the value of composition and musical theory over raw auditory experience.

Fogelberg's words imply a dichotomy in between written music and music as an acoustic phenomenon. Written music describes the notated compositions that follow the guidelines of music theory, requiring an understanding of harmony, melody, rhythm, and structure. This viewpoint values the intellectual and imaginative rigor associated with crafting pieces that can be reviewed and analyzed objectively.

Conversely, hearing music includes the emotive, spontaneous, and experiential aspects of music. It involves the way music is viewed and felt by the listener, beyond the confines of composed notes. This includes improvisation, individual analyses, and the way music connects with people on a visceral level. By stating "genuine legitimate music is composed", Fogelberg discuss a belief that validates music's technical proficiency and compositional discipline above its sensory and emotional impact.

However, making use of the previous tense ("made me believe") mean a journey or realization Fogelberg may have experienced that changed this preliminary belief. He may have come to value the balance in between the composed and the heard, comprehending that while composition is vital, the essence of music depends on its power to move and motivate, transcending the page to reach the human soul.

Ultimately, Fogelberg's reflection acts as a commentary on the evolving understanding of music's legitimacy, encouraging a reconciliation of the structured with the spontaneous, the seen with the heard, in appreciating the full spectrum of musical experience.