"Offhand, I think of the Schubert Fantaisie in F Minor. The weight of the melody here is such that you can't place where it is, or what it's coming from. There are not many experiences of this kind in music, but a perfect example of what I mean can be found in Rembrandt's self-portrait in the Frick. Not only is it impossible for us to comprehend how this painting was made; we cannot even fix where it exists in relation to our vision. Music is not painting, but it can learn from this more perceptive temperament that waits and observes the inherent mystery of its materials, as opposed to the composer's vested interest in his craft. Since music has never had a Rembrandt, we have remained nothing more than musicians."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Quote of Morton Feldman, as cited in The Music of Morton Feldman, by Thomas DeLio, 1996, p. 208
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Rembrandt
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Rembrandt
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669) was a Dutch painter, printmaker, and draughtsman. He is generally considered one of the greatest visual artists in history.
152 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Rembrandt →
Related Quotes
"Quote in original Dutch (citaat van Rembrandt in Nederlands): Dit is naer mijn huijsvrou geconterfeit do si 21 jaer o…"
"A pious mind / Places honor above wealth - Rembrandt, Amsterdam 1634"
"version in original Dutch (origineel citaat van Rembrandt, in Nederlands): Een vroom gemoet / Acht eer voor goet - Re…"
"..that I am very diligently engaged in proficiently completing the three Passion paintings which his Excellency has p…"
"version in original Dutch (origineel citaat van Rembrandt, in Nederlands): ..dat ick seer naerstich / doende ben met …"
"My [dear] Sir: Let me first offer my kind regards. I agree that I should come soon to see how the picture accords wit…"
"Because of the great zeal and devotion which I experienced in executing well the two pictures which His Highness comm…"
"version in original Dutch (origineel citaat van Rembrandt, in Nederlands): Door die grooten lust ende geneegenheijt d…"
"I have read your pleasant letter of 14th with singular pleasure. I discern your kind inclination and affection which …"
"This is portrayed after my wife when she was 21 years old, the third day after we were betrothed, on the 8th of June …"