Meaning: The quote you provided is a reflection by the French composer Luc Ferrari on his encounter with the American jazz pianist and composer Cecil Taylor. Ferrari recalls being impressed by Taylor's music and the unique approach he had towards the piano as an instrument.

Cecil Taylor was a pioneering figure in the world of free jazz, a genre known for its unconventional and improvisational approach to music. Taylor's style was characterized by its intense and complex rhythms, dissonant harmonies, and virtuosic piano technique. His music often pushed the boundaries of traditional jazz, incorporating elements of avant-garde, classical, and African music.

Ferrari's admiration for Taylor's music is evident in his description of the pianist as an "amazing character." This suggests that Taylor's impact extended beyond just his musical abilities, encompassing his persona and the way he presented himself as an artist. Taylor's performances were known for their physicality and theatricality, with the pianist often using his entire body to interact with the piano, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for the audience.

Furthermore, Ferrari's mention of Taylor's approach to the instrument as "astonishing" speaks to the innovative and unconventional techniques that Taylor employed in his music. Taylor's use of extended techniques, such as plucking the piano strings or muting the strings with his hands, allowed him to produce a wide range of sounds and textures that went beyond the traditional capabilities of the instrument.

It's worth noting that Ferrari, as a composer with a background in electroacoustic music, was likely drawn to Taylor's boundary-pushing approach to sound and performance. Ferrari himself was known for his experimental compositions that often incorporated found sounds, field recordings, and non-traditional instruments. In this context, it's understandable why Taylor's avant-garde approach to jazz and the piano would have resonated with Ferrari.

In the mid-1960s, when Ferrari mentions encountering Taylor, the jazz world was experiencing a period of significant innovation and experimentation. Musicians like Taylor were at the forefront of this movement, challenging established norms and redefining the possibilities of jazz music. Their influence extended beyond the realm of jazz, shaping the broader landscape of contemporary music and inspiring artists across genres to explore new sonic territories.

Overall, Ferrari's reflection on Cecil Taylor underscores the profound impact that Taylor had on fellow musicians and composers, transcending the boundaries of genre and medium. Taylor's fearless creativity and uncompromising approach to music continue to inspire artists to this day, cementing his legacy as a true visionary in the world of jazz and beyond.