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Quote by Joanna Newsom

“I didn't really know a lot of the history when I was younger. I didn't realize that the harp is coded in such a specific way in musical circles. It's kind of this society instrument because of its history as a young woman's parlor instrument.”

Author

Joanna Newsom

Joanna Newsom is an American pianist known for her unique musical style and emotive singing voice. Born on January 18, 1982, she began learning the piano at a young age and started composing her own music in her teenage years. Newsom's music blends classical, folk, and experimental elements, often characterized by dreamlike atmospheres and profound literary themes. more

“Families of privilege and money would have harps in their parlors, and their cultured daughters would learn to play. It's got such a strange history. But that wasn't the context that I learned it in, so the inherent friction between that history and the more humanist folk-y history wasn't in my conscience at all.”

Play Strange Daughter Conscience Folks Privilege Humanist Inherent Friction Harps Parlor

Author:Joanna Newsom

“I never thought people would be mortally offended by the sounds I was making.”

People Would Be Sound Offended

Author:Joanna Newsom

“I don't look at people's expressions, because I still get nervous when I play, especially when I first put the harp up there. I just try to tune - it takes me a half-hour to tune, and I get nervous if I look at anybody when I do it.”

People Ifs Trying Firsts Looks Stills Play Hours Half Expression Nervous Tunes Take Me Half Hours Harps

Author:Joanna Newsom

“I've been unaware of how people react to the instrument. People have ideas of what a harp is supposed to sound like, and a lot of them are negative ideas.”

People Ideas Sound Negative Instruments Harps

Author:Joanna Newsom