Meaning: This quote by Kurt Masur, a renowned German conductor, provides insight into the profound impact of his first music teacher and the valuable lesson she imparted to him. The quote highlights the significance of understanding and respecting the message conveyed through music, as well as the importance of maintaining the integrity of a musical piece without imposing personal interpretations.

Kurt Masur's acknowledgment of his first teacher's influence underscores the pivotal role that educators play in shaping the perspectives and approaches of aspiring musicians. Masur's teacher, described as an organist who approached her craft with dedication and reverence, instilled in him a fundamental principle of musical interpretation: the message of the music takes precedence, and the performer's role is to convey it faithfully.

The notion that the "message of music" was the first lesson imparted to Masur underscores the profound impact of this teaching on his musical development. It suggests that understanding and conveying the inherent meaning and emotion within a piece of music is a foundational aspect of musical education. Masur's emphasis on his teacher's respect for every piece and her reluctance to impose her own interpretation reflects the discipline and humility required in interpreting and performing music.

Additionally, Masur's teacher's approach resonates with a broader debate within the field of musical interpretation. The question of how much artistic license a performer should take in interpreting a musical piece has been a subject of ongoing discussion. While some musicians advocate for greater freedom in expression, others, like Masur's teacher, prioritize faithfulness to the composer's intentions and the inherent message of the music.

The quote also sheds light on the concept of musical fidelity and the responsibility of performers to honor the composer's work. Masur's teacher's belief that she was "not allowed to add something of her own" reflects a commitment to preserving the integrity of the music and respecting the composer's original vision. This perspective aligns with traditional approaches to classical music performance, where authenticity and faithfulness to the score are highly valued.

In contemporary music education and performance, the balance between honoring the composer's intentions and infusing personal expression continues to be a point of contention and exploration. While some advocate for a strict adherence to the score, others argue for the importance of personal interpretation and emotional expression in performance.

Overall, Kurt Masur's reflection on the message of music and the impact of his first teacher underscores the profound influence of early mentors in shaping a musician's approach to interpretation and performance. The quote provides valuable insights into the principles of musical fidelity, respect for the composer's work, and the enduring debate surrounding the balance between faithfulness to the score and personal expression in musical interpretation.