A painter paints his pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence.
In plain words
A painter uses colors. A musician uses silence to paint a picture.
Where these words come from
- 55% sureLots of sources credit Leopold Stokowski with this, and they agree with each other. The book or the speech it first came from hasn't turned up yet.
- Address at Carnegie Hall as reported in The New York Times, May 11, 1967 — a news report of the speech, not a primary transcript; held at likely per the house news-tier precedent.
- 1967 · Carnegie Hall, New York · address to an audience
More on music
Melody is the essence of music.
Wolfgang Amadeus MozartMusic must never offend the ear, even in most horrendous situations, but must always be pleasing.Wolfgang Amadeus MozartMelody and harmony should be simply tools in the hands of the artist, with which he creates music.
Giuseppe VerdiWhere words fail, sounds can often speak.
Hans Christian AndersenSometimes I am so full of music, and so overflowing with melody, that I find it simply impossible to write down anything.
Robert SchumannWe want our sound to go into the soul of the audience, and see if it can awaken some little thing in their minds.
Jimi Hendrix
Wolfgang Amadeus MozartMusic must never offend the ear, even in most horrendous situations, but must always be pleasing.Wolfgang Amadeus MozartMelody and harmony should be simply tools in the hands of the artist, with which he creates music.Giuseppe VerdiWhere words fail, sounds can often speak.Hans Christian AndersenSometimes I am so full of music, and so overflowing with melody, that I find it simply impossible to write down anything.Robert SchumannWe want our sound to go into the soul of the audience, and see if it can awaken some little thing in their minds.Jimi HendrixMore history
See allIt does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
ConfuciusNature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
Lao TzuIn the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.
Sun TzuThe wound is the place where the light enters you.
RumiYou have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Marcus AureliusWaste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.Marcus Aurelius
ConfuciusNature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.Lao TzuIn the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.Sun TzuThe wound is the place where the light enters you.RumiYou have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.Marcus AureliusWaste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.Marcus Aurelius