John-Edward Kelly • Aphorisms on Life & Music • Page 1 of 12

John-Edward Kelly

Aphorisms
on Life & Music

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© 2002 by John-Edward Kelly & Daedalian Music

John-Edward Kelly • Aphorisms on Life & Music • Page 2 of 12

Skills can be learned,

But Art must be Awakened —
From the Deep Slumber of Consciousness,
Out of the Collective Memory of
All Mankind’s Joys and Sorrows.

© 2002 by John-Edward Kelly & Daedalian Music

John-Edward Kelly • Aphorisms on Life & Music • Page 3 of 12

Economics may well fill bellies,

But only ideals can nourish souls.

© 2002 by John-Edward Kelly & Daedalian Music

John-Edward Kelly • Aphorisms on Life & Music • Page 4 of 12

Lift
Results from the Interaction
Of Movement and Resistance;
Without Resistance,
There can be No Flight.

Liberty
Results from the Interplay
Of Vision and Discipline;

Without Discipline,
There can be No Freedom.

© 2002 by John-Edward Kelly & Daedalian Music

John-Edward Kelly • Aphorisms on Life & Music • Page 5 of 12

Politicians
Will tell them what they need;

Businessmen
Will sell them what they want;

Artists
Will give them the tools of freedom.

© 2002 by John-Edward Kelly & Daedalian Music

John-Edward Kelly • Aphorisms on Life & Music • Page 6 of 12

Truth, Art & Love

Are the Three Things in Life

That can always be Given

And sometimes Received,

But never Coerced or Demanded.

© 2002 by John-Edward Kelly & Daedalian Music

John-Edward Kelly • Aphorisms on Life & Music • Page 7 of 12

He who Carries and Cares For

The Song in his Heart
Will become Incapable
Of harboring Hateful Thoughts
Or committing Violent Acts.

This is the Noblest & Most Urgent Task

Of Music and Music Education
In our Times.

© 2002 by John-Edward Kelly & Daedalian Music

John-Edward Kelly • Aphorisms on Life & Music • Page 8 of 12

Art & Opportunism

are Fundamentally Incompatible

© 2002 by John-Edward Kelly & Daedalian Music

John-Edward Kelly • Aphorisms on Life & Music • Page 9 of 12

Music is like Love:

She can be invited, but never demanded;
And she can only be received
When we give everything of ourselves,
Yet expect nothing.

© 2002 by John-Edward Kelly & Daedalian Music

John-Edward Kelly • Aphorisms on Life & Music • Page 10 of 12

Fundamentals of Aesthetics

Cast a Mellow Light upon the Unusual,

Gently Underscore the Essential,
&
Draw Quiet Attention to the Subtle;

But NEVER, NEVER

Accentuate the OBVIOUS !

© 2002 by John-Edward Kelly & Daedalian Music

John-Edward Kelly • Aphorisms on Life & Music • Page 11 of 12

Music,
The Queen of the Arts,
Can neither be written down,
Nor described in words,
Nor even perceived
By the physical ear:

She can only be Lived

In the Eternal Fire
Of the Human Heart.

© 2002 by John-Edward Kelly & Daedalian Music

John-Edward Kelly • Aphorisms on Life & Music • Page 12 of 12

Birth & Death

Are Givens;

Everything else
Can be Influenced.

© 2002 by John-Edward Kelly & Daedalian Music