Science and art

So many deep layers of meaning in this quote, isn't it? But here's one:

What's more important in organ playing - art side of this activity or science? Objective or subjective? Emotions or intellect?

I think it's both.

If we, organists think of organ playing only as an art form, we might become sloppy in detecting and eliminating technical mistakes, mistakes in foundational things, such as posture, hand and feet position, or articulation.

If, on the other hand, we would only think about these scientifically measurable things, we would miss big time on transferring meaning and feelings to our listeners

This is especially true in improvisation. Tense just a little and you will focus too much on counterpoint, harmony, and form and not enough on depicting a musical story.

But without those foundational things a great musical story would be shapeless, isn't?

​It turns out that a great artist must be a great scientist as well.

​(And vice versa).

[HT to John Higgins]

PS 50 % discount on Modern Variation Workshop ends Wednesday night.