A Psychological Interlude from Hans Keller, violinist

On English-German music:

‘Music, the most romantic, metaphysical, ‘sentimental’ of all the arts reaches its highest watermark in Germany…..German listening to music always bears a creative, active character, whereas English listening to music is entirely passive.’

‘Everywhere we look in English intellectual life we find clear, intelligent, original minds and observant eyes……Here, in England, you are simply decent or not decent, but usually decent.’

‘The straightforward, open, intelligent attitude of this people (the English) might yet show it can have positive effect, even in the near future.’   [written in 1940]

Do you agree?

On sexuality and music:

Throughout his early years, Keller developed his interest in psychology and took countless notes from literature, first in German, then in English.  Being a Freudian, he inevitably linked music and sexuality.

‘………as regards music….it is certain that various famous musicians…have been homosexuals.  Someone has claimed that 60% of introverts are musicians. 98% of male introverts are greatly attracted to music, the women being decidedly less attracted.’

‘Sexuality embraces narcissism, and narcissism leads to symbol formation and from there to the very foundations of music.’

What do you make of that?

A few of Keller’s many Aphorisms:

‘Whether or not music be the food of love, love is the food for music.’

‘So often the platform turns playing into placarding.’

‘In one way or another, you can express everything in music – except music criticism.’

‘To composers, performers, and listeners: there is only one convincing way out of a phrase, and that the way into the next.’

One of my kind readers has acutely and thoughtfully observed three common threads in my Diary entries so far –

Religion

Spirituality

Aesthetics. 

I’m wondering if this might be a common experience?

There’s no doubt in my mind and body that the participation and playing of me brings about a kind of resonance – a kind of enchantment

 which embraces religious experience, a loving spirit, and the pursuit of beauty.

Whatever I might have felt about Keller’s thoughts (above), he expressed so much more feeling and depth when he was playing me.