"Somehow in the 20th Century an idea has developed that music is an activity or skill which is not comprehensible to the man in the street. This is an arrogant assertion and not necessarily a true one"

Gavin Bryars' quote challenges the elitist perception that music is a mystical field booked only for the specifically trained or naturally talented. He critiques the concept, which gained prominence in the 20th century, that music is a strange and exclusive domain, incomprehensible to normal individuals. Bryars asserts that this belief is not just elitist however likewise potentially false.

The quote starts with "Somehow in the 20th Century", implying a shift in understanding throughout this time. This era saw substantial advancements in music, consisting of the emergence of complex and diverse categories such as jazz, electronic, and progressive music, along with technological developments that changed music production and usage. As these modifications took place, the space between professional musicians and the general public might have broadened, causing the understanding of music as an inaccessible art form.

Nevertheless, Bryars challenges this by identifying the concept as an "conceited assertion". This term suggests that seeing music as available just to a choose few disregards the universality and intrinsic nature of music as a kind of human expression. For centuries, music has actually been a common and participatory activity, intrinsic to cultural routines, storytelling, and social bonding. This natural disposition toward music recommends that its appreciation and understanding extend beyond formal education or technical efficiency.

By concluding with "not necessarily a real one", Bryars leaves space for the belief that music can undoubtedly be available to all. This part of the quote motivates a reconsideration of societal mindsets towards music education and involvement. It advocates for a more inclusive perspective that recognizes the capacity for everybody to engage with music meaningfully, whether as performers, listeners, or creators.

In essence, Bryars' viewpoint welcomes a democratization of music, encouraging people to recover their inherent connection to it and taking apart the barriers that have been artificially constructed around what is inherently a shared human experience.