Many composers walked around jazz like cats around a bowl who said this? - briefly
The phrase "Many composers walked around jazz like cats around a bowl" is attributed to the renowned American composer and pianist, Leonard Bernstein. Bernstein, known for his insightful commentary on music, used this metaphor to illustrate the cautious and often hesitant approach many classical composers had towards jazz in the mid-20th century. Bernstein was deeply influenced by jazz and incorporated its elements into his own compositions, notably in works like "West Side Story" and "On the Town". His appreciation for jazz was evident in his writings and lectures, where he frequently discussed the genre's rhythmic complexity and harmonic innovation. Bernstein's commentary reflects a broader historical trend where classical musicians, while intrigued by jazz, often struggled to fully embrace its improvisational and syncopated nature.
The phrase is a poignant observation on the cultural dynamics between classical and jazz music. Bernstein's comparison of composers to cats circling a bowl of jazz underscores the curiosity and wariness that many classical musicians felt towards jazz. This metaphor highlights the tension and mutual influence between two distinct musical traditions, each with its own set of norms and practices. Bernstein's words serve as a reminder of the evolving relationship between classical and jazz music, and the eventual integration of jazz elements into the broader musical landscape.
The phrase was said by Leonard Bernstein. Bernstein was referring to the reluctance of some classical composers to fully engage with jazz music.
Many composers walked around jazz like cats around a bowl who said this? - in detail
The phrase "Many composers walked around jazz like cats around a bowl" is a vivid metaphor that has been attributed to several prominent figures in the music world, but it is most famously associated with Leonard Bernstein. Bernstein, an American composer, conductor, author, music lecturer, and pianist, was known for his insightful and often poetic observations about music. This particular quote reflects his perspective on the relationship between classical composers and jazz, suggesting a cautious and somewhat reserved approach by many classical musicians towards the vibrant and improvisational nature of jazz.
Bernstein's comment underscores the historical tension and mutual curiosity between classical and jazz traditions. Classical composers, often steeped in the rigorous structures and formalities of Western art music, might have approached jazz with a mixture of fascination and trepidation. Jazz, with its roots in African American culture and its emphasis on improvisation and emotional expression, represented a different aesthetic and philosophical approach to music-making. This contrast could have made jazz seem both alluring and daunting to composers who were more accustomed to the precise and controlled environment of classical composition.
The metaphor of "cats around a bowl" is particularly evocative. Cats, known for their caution and discernment, might circle a bowl of food warily, assessing its contents before committing to a meal. Similarly, classical composers might have approached jazz with a sense of curiosity and caution, carefully observing and perhaps even experimenting with its elements, but not fully embracing it within their own compositional practices. This metaphor highlights the delicate balance between attraction and hesitation that many classical composers might have experienced when encountering jazz.
Bernstein's observation also speaks to the broader cultural and artistic dynamics of the 20th century. During this period, there was a significant exchange of ideas and influences between different musical genres and cultures. Jazz, in particular, had a profound impact on various forms of music, including classical, film scores, and popular music. Composers like Igor Stravinsky, Aaron Copland, and George Gershwin, among others, were known to incorporate elements of jazz into their compositions, reflecting the mutual influence and cross-pollination that occurred between these musical traditions.
In summary, the phrase "Many composers walked around jazz like cats around a bowl" is a poignant reflection of the complex relationship between classical composers and jazz. Attributed to Leonard Bernstein, this observation captures the cautious yet intrigued approach that many classical musicians had towards jazz, highlighting the cultural and artistic dynamics of the 20th century. The metaphor of cats around a bowl vividly illustrates the delicate balance between attraction and hesitation that characterized this relationship, underscoring the rich and multifaceted exchange of ideas between different musical traditions.