Meaning: Zoltan Kodaly, a Hungarian composer, educator, and ethnomusicologist, offers a thought-provoking insight in his quote: "I would advise my young colleagues, the composers of symphonies, to drop in sometimes at the kindergarten, too. It is there that it is decided whether there will be anybody to understand their works in twenty years' time." This quote encapsulates an important aspect of music education and the cultivation of musical understanding and appreciation in society.

Kodaly's advice to young composers to visit kindergartens is a call for them to engage with children at a formative stage of their development. In doing so, he emphasizes the critical role that early exposure to music and musical education plays in shaping the future audience for symphonic works. By highlighting the significance of the kindergarten environment, Kodaly underscores the impact of early childhood experiences on the cultivation of an audience that can comprehend and appreciate the complexities of symphonic compositions.

The quote also underscores the importance of fostering a musical culture from a young age. Kodaly's emphasis on the kindergarten as a pivotal setting for shaping future understanding of symphonic works reflects his belief in the power of early childhood musical education. By engaging with young children, composers can contribute to the development of a musical foundation that will shape the audience's ability to comprehend and appreciate symphonic compositions in the future.

Kodaly's advice aligns with his broader contributions to music education, particularly his development of the Kodaly Method. This approach to music education emphasizes the importance of singing, movement, and the use of folk songs and exercises to develop musical skills from an early age. By advocating for composers to interact with young children, Kodaly underscores the value of hands-on, experiential musical learning as a means to build a strong foundation for future musical understanding.

Furthermore, the quote speaks to the interconnectedness of composers, music educators, and the audience. Kodaly's call for composers to engage with kindergartens reflects an understanding of the symbiotic relationship between creators of music and their audience. By investing in the musical education of young children, composers contribute to the development of a future audience that is equipped to comprehend and appreciate their works. This highlights the interdependence of composers and their audience, emphasizing the need for active engagement and investment in cultivating an informed and receptive listenership.

In conclusion, Zoltan Kodaly's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the pivotal role that early childhood musical education plays in shaping the future audience for symphonic works. By advising young composers to connect with kindergartens, Kodaly underscores the importance of fostering a musical culture from a young age and investing in the development of a future audience capable of understanding and appreciating symphonic compositions. His words resonate with the broader principles of music education and highlight the interconnectedness of composers, music educators, and the audience in shaping the cultural appreciation of music.