Meaning: The quote "I've been living with the minor second all my life and I finally found a way to handle it" by composer Morton Feldman reflects his deep engagement with the musical interval of the minor second and his personal journey in understanding and utilizing its potential. Morton Feldman was an influential American composer known for his experimental and avant-garde approach to music. His works often challenged traditional concepts of harmony, rhythm, and structure, and he was particularly interested in exploring the nuances of sound and the relationships between individual musical elements.

The minor second interval, also known as a half step, is the smallest distance between two pitches in traditional Western music. It is a dissonant interval that creates tension and a sense of unease when played consecutively or harmonized together. In Feldman's quote, he acknowledges that he has been "living with" this interval throughout his life, suggesting a deep familiarity with its inherent qualities and the challenges it presents to both composers and performers.

Feldman's statement also conveys a sense of triumph or resolution in finding a way to "handle" the minor second. This implies that he has discovered a method or approach to incorporating this interval into his compositions in a way that satisfies his artistic vision. It speaks to the creative process and the ongoing journey of a composer in grappling with musical elements that may pose challenges or limitations.

Throughout his career, Feldman's compositions often featured sparse textures, extended durations, and a focus on the subtle interactions between individual pitches and intervals. His unique approach to working with the minor second and other intervals allowed him to create music that was contemplative, introspective, and deeply immersive for both performers and listeners.

In his compositions, Feldman utilized the minor second interval in various ways, often exploring the delicate balance between consonance and dissonance. He was interested in the perceptual effects of sustained tones and subtle pitch relationships, and the minor second became a fundamental building block in his exploration of these sonic phenomena.

Feldman's music, including works such as "Rothko Chapel" and "For Philip Guston," demonstrates his mastery in handling the minor second interval to evoke a wide range of emotions and contemplative states. His compositions invite listeners to engage with the inherent tension and resolution found within this interval, ultimately offering a profound and meditative listening experience.

In conclusion, Morton Feldman's quote about living with and finally finding a way to handle the minor second encapsulates his deep connection to this interval and the significance it held in his musical explorations. It reflects his innovative approach to composition and his ability to harness the expressive potential of seemingly challenging musical elements. Through his pioneering work, Feldman expanded the possibilities of contemporary music and left a lasting impact on the exploration of sound, time, and perception in the realm of avant-garde composition.

This quote serves as a testament to the creative process and the continual evolution of a composer's relationship with musical elements, showcasing the profound impact that a single interval can have on artistic expression and innovation in the realm of contemporary classical music.