How can we dare to aspire to an ideal interpretation of a masterpiece composition? The Flea Waltz perhaps, but Bach, Beethoven, Brahms? How can we contribute to a masterpiece so much greater than even the composer? When are we ready to make an absolute choice in interpretation?
A priori we must aspire to an infinite technique and a sage's understanding of music. We must base our aspiration on the knowledge of context and clean observations of the score with a minimum of interpretation ~ that provides a platform for true personal discovery. Our emotions are of course the driving force in this endeavor, expression not a goal but the premise of musical practice, and our personality will, by our choices, inevitably be present in our interpretations. We must choose with the wisdom of a cultivated intuition and boldly stand behind our interpretation with the conviction that our interpretation could hold as a universal example to all ~ in the sense of Kant's categorical imperative.
„Handle so, daß die Maxime deines Willens jederzeit zugleich als Prinzip einer allgemeinen Gesetzgebung gelten könne.“
“Act in such a way that the maxim of your will may at all times also hold as the principle of a universal law.”
Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)