Famous quote by Leo Ornstein

"The danger of that - and there's a grave danger that I, myself, have to be very aware of - is that you become so involved and intrigued in the language that sometimes you lose track that that is only a means to an aesthetic experience that the listener has to get"

About this Quote

Leo Ornstein's quote talks to the fragile balance in the innovative procedure, especially in the realm of music and perhaps any art type that includes complex structures, like literature or visual arts. Ornstein acknowledges a possible pitfall that developers deal with: ending up being too fascinated in the technical or structural aspects of their work at the expense of the total aesthetic or emotional experience.

At its core, the quote reflects a stress between form and expression. Ornstein cautions versus getting excessively captivated by the "language"-- which, in the context of music, might refer to the technical elements like melody, consistency, rhythm, or even the official structure of the composition. These elements are undoubtedly necessary yet they serve as tools or suggests to an end, not completion themselves. The supreme goal of art, as Ornstein recommends, is to stimulate an action in the listener, to interact an experience or feeling that transcends the simple mechanics of its production.

This idea resonates throughout artistic disciplines. For instance, in literature, an author may be captivated by linguistic flourishes or intricate narrative structures. Nevertheless, if these overshadow the story or the emotional journey they aim to communicate, the work might stop working to resonate with its audience. Likewise, in visual arts, an artist may ideal a method but in doing so, may lose the spontaneity or feeling that offers the piece its vitality.

Ornstein's self-awareness suggests the introspective nature of artistry. He acknowledges his own susceptibility to this "severe threat" and implicitly advises artists to be watchful. It's a call to maintain perspective, making sure that technique and structure do not obscure the core function of art, which is to facilitate a meaningful aesthetic experience. In essence, Ornstein is advocating for a synthesis where technical proficiency enhances, rather than detracts from, the meaningful power of the art work.

About the Author

USA Flag This quote is written / told by Leo Ornstein between December 2, 1892 and February 24, 2002. He/she was a famous Composer from USA. The author also have 27 other quotes.
Go to author profile

Similar Quotes