Alexandre Desplat: 'To this day, I still travel with scores. Every time I'm on a plane - it could be Stravinsky or Mozart or Ravel.'

To this day, I still travel with scores. Every time I'm on a plane - it could be Stravinsky or Mozart or Ravel.

In the world of music, orchestration is an essential element that breathes life into compositions, allowing them to transcend the boundaries of mere notes on a page and resonate deeply with listeners. Alexandre Desplat, a renowned composer, once aptly remarked, 'To this day, I still travel with scores. Every time I'm on a plane - it could be Stravinsky or Mozart or Ravel.' This quote encapsulates the profound connection Desplat maintains with music and the importance he places on immersing himself in the works of great composers. However, beyond its surface meaning, Desplat's statement also serves as a compelling metaphor for the journey through life and the philosophies that guide our existence.On a straightforward level, Desplat's quote reflects his unwavering dedication to his craft. As a composer himself, his role in the creation and performance of music demands an intimate understanding and appreciation for the works of those who have come before him. By traveling with scores, be it the revolutionary compositions of Igor Stravinsky, the timeless melodies of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, or the intricate harmonies of Maurice Ravel, Desplat exposes himself to a symphony of inspiration. The presence of these scores on his travels acts as a constant reminder of the magnitude of musical genius that has graced the world, inspiring him to continually challenge himself and seek new artistic heights.However, beyond the realm of music, Desplat's practice of carrying scores can be interpreted as a profound metaphor for the importance of knowledge, humility, and the willingness to learn from the great minds of the past. In a world often governed by digital devices and virtual experiences, Desplat's commitment to physical scores emphasizes the tangibility of wisdom that can be gleaned from literature and the arts. Just as scores act as blueprints for musicians, guiding them through the intricacies of a composition, the works of great philosophers, scientists, and thinkers serve as guideposts on the journey of life. By carrying scores, Desplat symbolically acknowledges the invaluable lessons that can be found within the pages of history, reminding us to value the wisdom of those who came before us and to approach life's challenges with a mindset of continued growth and exploration.Moreover, Desplat's comment encourages us to reflect on the harmonious interplay between tradition and innovation. While he is undeniably a composer who thrives on creating original compositions, his choice to engage with the classics during his travels highlights the importance of understanding the foundation upon which new creations are built. It is through the study of the masters that Desplat is able to expand his own musical vocabulary and approach composition with a deeper understanding of the principles that underpin his craft. In a society that often glorifies novelty and innovation, Desplat's acknowledgment of the value of tradition serves as a reminder that honoring the past can foster the necessary groundwork for innovation and advancement in any field.In essence, Alexandre Desplat's quote about traveling with scores extends far beyond the world of music, offering us a profound reflection on the nature of knowledge, inspiration, and growth. Just as a composer carries scores to develop their craft and draw from the wisdom of the past, we too can embark on a metaphorical journey through life guided by the teachings of philosophers, the insights of scientists, the creations of artists, and the countless scores of knowledge accumulated throughout history. By doing so, we open ourselves to the harmonious interplay of tradition and innovation, allowing us to transcend the limitations of our own understanding and embark on a journey of continual growth and exploration. So, let us carry our own metaphorical scores, nurturing our minds with the brilliance of the past, as we compose the symphony of our own lives.