Inspiring Oldies

"The intention of music is not only to please the ear, but to express sentiments, strike the imagination, affect the mind and command the passions.

Men of purblind understandings, and half ideas may perhaps ask, is it possible to give meaning and expression to wood and wire; or to bestow upon them the power of raising and soothing the passions of rational beings? But whenever I hear such a question put, whether for the sake of information, or to convey ridicule, I shall think it sufficient to appeal to the effect. Even in common speech a difference of tone gives the same word a different meaning. And with regard to musical performances, experience has shown that the imagination of the hearer is in general so much at the disposal of the master, that he may almost stamp what impression on the mind he pleases."

 Francesco Geminiani, The Art of Playing on the Violin, London 1751.