"The moment at which music reveals its true nature is contained in the ancient exercise of the theme with variations. The complete mystery of music is explained right there"
- Pierre Schaeffer
About this Quote
This quote by Pierre Schaeffer speaks to the power of music and its capacity to expose its real nature. He recommends that the old exercise of the theme with variations is the minute at which music discloses its real nature. This exercise involves taking a musical style and after that producing variations on it, commonly by changing the tune, rhythm, or harmony. By doing this, the author is able to discover the possibilities of the style as well as create something new and also unique. Schaeffer suggests that this workout clarifies the total secret of music, indicating that it is with this exercise that we can absolutely recognize the power of music. He suggests that by exploring the opportunities of a theme, we can get understanding right into truth nature of music as well as its capability to stimulate emotion and develop beauty.