It is not a dreamlike state, but the somehow insulated state, that a great musician achieves in a great performance. He's aware of where he is and what he's doing, but his mind is on the playing of the instrument with an internal sense of rightness -- it is not merely mechanical, it is not only spiritual; it is something of both, on a different plane and a more remote one.

Summary

This quote highlights the exceptional state of mind experienced by a talented musician during an extraordinary performance. It emphasizes that this state is distinct from a dream, as the musician remains fully aware of their surroundings and actions. However, their focus transcends the physical and spiritual aspects of playing an instrument, reaching a plane of perfect harmony. It implies that this elevated level of musicality is achieved through a combination of technical skill and a deeper, almost transcendent connection to the music, enabling the musician to deliver an exceptional and captivating performance.

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