Music, oh glorious music! It possesses an extraordinary ability to stir our souls and awaken dormant senses. This divine language speaks directly to the core of our being, sidestepping the constraints of mere intellect and delving into the very depths of our hearts. Attempting to compare one pianist to another is akin to reducing their extraordinary expression to a trivial mental exercise devoid of the profound emotional richness that music bestows upon us.
Alas! Competitions and these present-day YouTube comparison videos that inundate our digital realms are often crafted with one goal: to amass subscribers and garner views, forsaking the true essence of music and the remarkable musicians who create it. They have shamelessly transformed this sacred art form into a mere commodity, a product to be bartered and sold.
With their unique style and artistry, pianists create a kaleidoscope of individuality that reflects their soul and spirit. To confine them within the boundaries of comparison is to dismiss the captivating beauty and extraordinary depth of their singular expressions, thus degrading the essence of our beloved music. Therefore, let us, my fellow music aficionados, approach the realm of our formidable piano literature with reverence and profound admiration for both the music and the pianists who breathe life into it.
Like all art forms, we must remember that music possesses an esoteric quality that transcends mere technical mastery. When we reduce the artist's sublime creation to a competitive spectacle or a fleeting comparison, we tarnish the music and diminish its profound spiritual essence. Music possesses an unparalleled transformative power that reaches deep within our souls, connecting us to realms beyond the grasp of the ordinary. It is through approaching it with the utmost reverence and respect that we unlock its esoteric qualities and truly comprehend its ability to reshape our very being.
Nevertheless, when we approach music with a mindset fuelled by competition and comparison, we inadvertently strip it of its innate power and reduce it to a mere source of entertainment. In doing so, we deprive ourselves of the boundless potential contained within its mystical depths. Thus, it becomes crucial for us to remain mindful of our approach to music and to honour its profound spiritual essence.
Moreover, let us not overlook these comparison videos' impact on our collective consciousness. When we mindlessly consume these videos, we perpetuate a culture of ruthless comparison and cutthroat competition (ref. the often obnoxious, idiotic and arrogant comments on, e.g., YouTube made by incompetent individuals). In this process, we unknowingly stifle our ability to appreciate the breathtaking uniqueness and individuality that each pianist brings to the grand table of musical expression.
Therefore, my friends, let us tread carefully as we venture into music in general. Let us preserve and honour the spiritual essence that permeates these wondrous art forms, for they possess an unparalleled power to transform and inspire. Only by celebrating each pianist's distinctive beauty and idiosyncrasy and their art can we ensure the perpetual wellspring of inspiration and spiritual nourishment for generations yet to come.
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