Meaning: This quote by the renowned pianist Alfred Brendel encapsulates a fundamental principle in music interpretation and performance. Brendel is expressing his commitment to honoring the traditions and intentions behind a musical masterpiece, allowing it to guide and shape the performer's rendition, rather than imposing the performer's own ideas onto the piece. In this way, Brendel emphasizes the importance of respecting the composer's original vision and the established traditions associated with a particular musical work.

Brendel's statement highlights the concept of musical interpretation as a collaborative dialogue between the performer, the composer, and the tradition within which the piece exists. It suggests that the performer's role is not to impose personal interpretations or preferences onto the music, but rather to listen to and understand the inherent qualities and nuances of the composition as guided by the traditions and intentions that surround it. This approach requires a deep understanding of the historical, cultural, and stylistic context of the music, as well as a willingness to engage with the composer's intentions as expressed in the score.

The idea that the masterpiece "tells the performer what to do" reflects a deep reverence for the music itself, acknowledging that great works possess their own inherent logic, structure, and expressive potential. It implies that the performer's task is to uncover and reveal these qualities through a sensitive and informed interpretation, rather than imposing arbitrary or idiosyncratic ideas onto the music. By allowing the masterpiece to guide the performance, the performer seeks to convey the essence of the work as it was intended by the composer, as well as to honor the traditions and conventions associated with its performance.

Brendel's perspective also underscores the significance of historical and stylistic authenticity in the interpretation of classical music. By acknowledging the authority of tradition and the composer's intentions, he advocates for a thoughtful and informed approach to performance that is grounded in a deep understanding of the historical context and performance practices of the music. This approach aligns with the principles of historically informed performance, which seeks to recreate the sound world of the past by engaging with historical sources, period instruments, and performance conventions.

Furthermore, Brendel's emphasis on the role of tradition in shaping musical interpretation speaks to the continuity and evolution of musical practices over time. By recognizing and respecting the traditions that have developed around a particular repertoire, performers contribute to the preservation and transmission of musical heritage. At the same time, they also have the opportunity to bring fresh insights and perspectives to these traditions, contributing to the ongoing vitality and relevance of classical music in contemporary contexts.

In conclusion, Alfred Brendel's quote encapsulates a profound approach to musical interpretation that prioritizes the authority of the masterpiece, the intentions of the composer, and the traditions that surround a musical work. By allowing the music to guide and shape the performance, Brendel advocates for a thoughtful, historically informed, and respectful approach to musical interpretation that honors the rich traditions and cultural heritage of classical music.