I believe that this quote is the first fictional quote I’ve ever shared here, but it’s just too good to keep to myself! If you’ve never read any of the stories about legendary British adventurer Allan Quatermain, written by H. Rider Haggard, you may want to check them out – they’re good. :-)
But to the quote! We’ll discuss it a bit after the fold.
“Always try to be good, my dear, and to do what is right, rather than what happens to be pleasant, for in the end, whatever sneering people may say, what is good and what is happy are the same. Be unselfish, and whenever you can, give a helping hand to others — for the world is full of suffering, my dear, and to alleviate it is the noblest end that we can set before us.”
Allan Quatermain, fictional protagonist
from the book Allan Quatermain
This is not only good advice for living in general, it cuts to the heart of what music really is and does. Have you ever turned to your favorite music, either by playing it or listening, to help you work out or move past a particularly challenging moment? Whatever your musical preferences may be, music truly is a gift that alleviates human suffering. The best part is that it treats both the performer and the listener at the same time!
If you’re interested in reading some of the adventures of Mr. Quatermain, please visit the following links:
Allan Quatermain books at Amazon.com
Allan Quatermain Kindle books on Amazon.com
The books are very reasonable (especially on Kindle and via the free Kindle reader apps for computers and mobile devices – as cheap as free!) and make for excellent, adventuresome reading…and a good life lesson every now and then. :-)
All the best,
Mark
For more information on Allan Quatermain and H. Rider Haggard, please see this article on Wikipedia.
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Quote of the Day | admin February 16, 2011 | 
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Almost every musician has one or more pieces that, once heard, they will never forget. Some people even take up an instrument specifically because of a particular selection. While some of our non-music-playing friends may not understand this, it’s something everyone with a “playing addiction” can readily comprehend.
Today’s quote speaks directly to this:
“Great music is that which penetrates the ear with facility and leaves the memory with difficulty. Magical music never leaves the memory.”
Sir Thomas Beecham, British conductor (1879-1961)
If you have a particular piece that began your musical journey or has inspired you along the way, pick it up and play it from time to time and let its magic wash over you again. And when you get a chance, share it with someone else. They just might get caught up in the magic, too. :-)
Keep playing,
Mark
Additional information:
Wikipedia article on Sir Thomas Beecham
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Quote of the Day | Mark January 25, 2011 |
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Plato had his critics, but on this, he couldn’t have been more correct.
“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.”
Plato
What more can be said? May your music give wings to your mind, flight to your imagination, and charm and gaiety to your life.
Keep playing,
Mark
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Tags: charm, flight, gaiety, imagination, law, life, mind, moral, music, Plato, quote, soul, universe, wings
Quote of the Day | Mark January 19, 2011 |
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Some people just seem to have a bead on the truth – and be able to clearly state it – better than others. Today’s quote is another good one from Picabo Street, skiing great and (apparently) performance philosopher and psychologist. 
“There’s a saying: ‘If the love of what you do exceeds the effort of doing it, success is inevitable.’”
Picabo Street, American Alpine ski racer
Note that she didn’t say success would be easy or that it would come quickly. She said it was inevitable – unavoidable. It may take time, and it’s almost certain to take a great deal of effort, but if you love what you do, you will succeed.
The next time you hit a rough patch, get handed a ridiculously difficult chart, or just feel you may never play as well as you’d like, ask yourself if you still love to play. If the answer is yes, you can’t help but succeed. Just keep playing… :-)
All the best,
Mark
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While not a musician, Mary Kay Ash inspired many, many people throughout her life…and she still does. Today’s quote speaks to everyone really, regardless of pursuit, but its relevance to our “playing obsession” is uncanny.
“Most people live and die with their music still unplayed. They never dare to try.”
Mary Kay Ash
American businesswoman and founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc.
Live. Play your music. Dare to try! You have nothing to lose but regrets.
All the best,
Mark
This article is not meant as an endorsement of Mary Kay Cosmetics, although we’ve nothing against them. Additional information about Mary Kay Ash can be found here, at Wikipedia.
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Tags: dare, die, live, Mary Kay, Mary Kay Ash, music, people, quote, try, unplayed
Quote of the Day | Mark September 20, 2010 |
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