Meaning: This quote, attributed to the renowned soprano Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, captures a powerful and visceral reaction to a musical performance. The quote reflects Schwarzkopf's intense response to a particular musical experience, where she was invited to listen to a composition written in quarter tones for four harps and voices. Schwarzkopf's need to leave the performance in order to be sick suggests a strong physical and emotional reaction to the music, prompting deeper exploration into the context and significance of the quote.

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf was a highly acclaimed German-born soprano who achieved international renown for her performances in opera, lieder, and oratorio. Her career spanned several decades, during which she collaborated with prominent conductors and composers, leaving a lasting impact on the world of classical music. Known for her exquisite voice and profound interpretations, Schwarzkopf's perspective on music holds significant weight in the musical community.

The quote provides insight into the complexity and depth of musical expression, shedding light on the potential for music to evoke powerful and sometimes overwhelming responses in listeners. The mention of quarter tones, a microtonal musical technique that involves dividing the traditional Western musical scale into 24 equal intervals, indicates the avant-garde nature of the composition Schwarzkopf encountered. This unconventional use of pitch and harmony may have contributed to the intensity of her reaction, as quarter tones can create dissonance and unfamiliar sonic landscapes for listeners unaccustomed to such tonalities.

The setting of Bloomington, Indiana, where this musical experience took place, adds a specific geographical and cultural context to Schwarzkopf's reaction. Bloomington is home to the prestigious Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, known for its focus on classical music education and performance. As a hub for musical innovation and exploration, Bloomington's artistic environment likely provided the backdrop for the avant-garde musical presentation that elicited such a profound response from Schwarzkopf.

The inclusion of four harps and voices in the composition further emphasizes the unconventional and experimental nature of the music. The combination of multiple harps and vocalists suggests a rich and layered sonic tapestry, potentially contributing to the overwhelming sensory experience that Schwarzkopf described. The use of multiple harps, an instrument not commonly featured in traditional Western classical ensembles, also points to the boundary-pushing nature of the music she encountered.

Schwarzkopf's visceral reaction to the music speaks to the deeply personal and subjective nature of musical interpretation. While some listeners may have found beauty and innovation in the quarter tone composition, Schwarzkopf's physical response highlights the potential for music to elicit a wide range of emotions, including discomfort and unease. This challenges the notion of a universal or objective standard for musical appreciation, underscoring the individualized nature of artistic perception and experience.

In conclusion, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf's quote provides a compelling glimpse into the profound impact of music on the human psyche. Her visceral reaction to a performance featuring quarter tones for four harps and voices underscores the potential for music to provoke intense emotional and physical responses in listeners. The avant-garde nature of the composition, combined with the unique setting of Bloomington, Indiana, and the unconventional instrumentation, contributes to the depth of Schwarzkopf's experience. This quote serves as a reminder of the transformative power of music and the diverse ways in which it can resonate with individuals on a deeply personal level.