"These seem to me so ambiguous, so vague, so easily misunderstood in comparison to genuine music, which fills the soul with a thousand things better than words"

Felix Mendelssohn, a prominent author and musician of the Romantic period, provides an extensive reflection on the constraints of language when compared to the expressive power of music. In the quote, "These seem to me so ambiguous, so vague, so quickly misconstrued in contrast to genuine music, which fills the soul with a thousand things better than words", Mendelssohn reveals his belief that music has an exceptional capability to interact feelings and concepts.

To break down the quote, Mendelssohn begins by explaining language as "uncertain", "unclear", and "quickly misunderstood". Here, he acknowledges the fundamental constraints and complexities of spoken interaction. Words, no matter how thoroughly selected, typically disappoint catching the full depth of human experience. They go through analysis and can be influenced by the speaker's and listener's personal experiences and biases. Therefore, even the most articulate expressions can result in misconceptions or fail to communicate the intended sentiment.

In contrast, Mendelssohn raises "genuine music" as a superior medium, capable of filling "the soul with a thousand things much better than words". This part of the quote highlights the composer's admiration for music's intrinsic capability to stimulate feelings, go beyond cultural and linguistic barriers, and speak directly to the human spirit. Music, with its tunes and rhythms, can articulate the inexpressible in manner ins which words can not. It embodies a universal language that resonates with individuals on a psychological level, allowing listeners to experience a plethora of sensations and understandings that are beyond the reach of spoken or composed language.

Mendelssohn's assertion reflects the Romantic age's respect for music as an art form that can evoke deep emotional responses and record the inexpressible nuances of human experience. In valuing music's capacity to speak straight to the soul, Mendelssohn highlights its function as a transcendent force that can connect people throughout time and space, offering a richer, more profound ways of expression than words alone.