It’s amazing how fast generations lose sight of other generations. One of the first things the young composers who come to work with me say is that they want to write music people will like, instead of gaining their credentials by being rejected by the audience.

Carlisle Floyd

 

The Quote in Other Words

It’s astonishing how quickly different generations become disconnected from each other. When young composers collaborate with me, they often express a desire to create music that will be well-received by listeners, rather than earning recognition through rejection from the audience.

 

Explanation of the Quote

The first part of the quote highlights the tendency of different generations to lose sight of each other. This can be seen in the way that younger generations often dismiss the values and experiences of older generations, while older generations may struggle to understand the perspectives of younger people. This can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding between different age groups, which can be damaging for society as a whole.

The second part of the quote touches on the idea of authenticity in creative work. Many young composers may feel pressure to create music that is popular or commercially successful, rather than staying true to their own artistic vision. However, this approach can lead to a lack of originality and a failure to connect with audiences on a deeper level. Instead, it is important for artists to stay true to themselves and create work that is authentic and meaningful, even if it is not immediately popular.

Overall, this quote highlights the importance of understanding and empathy between different generations, as well as the value of authenticity and originality in creative work. By staying true to ourselves and seeking to understand others, we can create a more harmonious and meaningful society.