Perfectionism

[alden]

The operative word here should probably be “conscientious” as opposed to perfectionist. We simply expect a craftsman to do the job he was trained to do well, with respect for his art and those who taught him. Frank Shattuck has portrayed these elements so well there is little really to add. One either has passion about one’s work or not. The same is true for doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, candle stick makers, or any line of work. Would you want a guy to open up your chest who seemed blasé or in a rush?

I had the chance to know the pianist Arthur Rubinstein when I was a young man. He used to say, “These new young pianists come close to perfection, their technical skill is unsurpassed, it is only a great shame that they do not know how to make music.” I attended his penultimate performance at the Champs Elysees Theatre in Paris. He played Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky. He never looked at the keyboard, his eyes closed, his magnificent head tilted back, he seemed in a trance. It was sheer magic. I have never heard anything like it and probably never will.

Perfection is a dank and lonely one way street. Look for a conscientious partner to do your work. If you hear music instead of sounds, you are on the right path.

Cheers

Michael Alden

[Rowly]

I had the chance to know the pianist Arthur Rubinstein when I was a young man. He used to say, “These new young pianists come close to perfection, their technical skill is unsurpassed, it is only a great shame that they do not know how to make music.” I attended his penultimate performance at the Champs Elysees Theatre in Paris. He played Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky. He never looked at the keyboard, his eyes closed, his magnificent head tilted back, he seemed in a trance. I just remember warm tears streaming abundantly down my face. It was sheer magic. I have never heard anything like it and probably never will. But I would gladly feel those those tears on my face again.

Perfection is a dank and lonely one way street.

What an experience ! I have been listening to Rubinstein playing Chopin a lot lately. It struck me how so many current Pianists try so hard to shine at the fast complicated passages. But, who can play slowly and expressively to match Rubinstein?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGRO05WcNDk
He is not performing. He is baring his heart and soul and the audience gets to watch. If your tailor puts his heart and soul into your work you should know the value of this. Even if my tailor makes a genuine mistake, I prefer his work, warts and all, to the sterile perfection of any digitally produced garment that ( like music, as you point out) lacks the sensuality of the human touch.

[davidhuh]

Perfection is a dank and lonely one way street. Look for a conscientious partner to do your work. If you hear music instead of sounds, you are on the right path.

Thank you Michael. Great Rubinstein quote - exactly what I wanted to say.

David

[dempsy444]

Thank you all for the replies to my question. I like Hectorm's definition and believe I will use that.

I think Michael got the spirit of what I meant. I meant to refer more to the spirit of one's work - someone who pays attention to every detail and has a high standard, not letting the suit go out the door until they are absolutely satisfied with their own work even if it means more hours, lower margin, and slowing down their production.

Thanks, again.