"Truly to sing, that is a different breath"

In the quote "Truly to sing, that is a various breath", Rainer Maria Rilke encapsulates a profound perspective on the nature of genuine expression through art, particularly singing. At a surface level, the "different breath" might refer to the literal control and method required in singing compared to ordinary speech. To sing well, one need to master breath control, handle pitch and tone, and preserve rhythm. Nevertheless, Rilke, known for his deep and introspective poetry, likely speaks with a much broader and more abstract idea.

The expression "truly to sing" suggests engaging in a genuine, wholehearted form of expression. Unlike the ordinary usage of breath in everyday discussion, "a different breath" symbolizes the transcendent and spiritual quality that art embodies. Singing, in this sense, ends up being a metaphor for any genuine artistic undertaking or any act of creation where the soul is laid bare. Rilke recommends that to "really sing" is to use a deeper part of oneself, accessing emotions and experiences that transcend the ordinary. It's about conveying an inner truth, reaching beyond the surface area to resonate with both artist and audience on a more profound level.

Furthermore, the "various breath" can be translated as the motivation or magnificent stimulate that fuels the artist's imagination. In many customs, breath is synonymous with life force or spirit, as seen in words like "pneuma" or "ruach" in Greek and Hebrew, respectively. By this logic, "a various breath" may also indicate the necessity of getting in touch with something greater than oneself-- a motivation or a muse-- to accomplish real artistic expression.

In essence, Rilke's quote aligns with his more comprehensive philosophical stance on imagination: that real art needs not just ability, but a total, nearly spiritual surrender to the act of production. It's about breaking away from the constraints of daily life to produce something that resonates with the universal human experience.