Few artists have been able to project the level of musical integrity that John Coltrane was able to. Even the photographs of him that I have seen project an intense feeling of purpose, but with a sense of calm and humility; all the more striking when one considers the ferocious quality of some of his playing. My personal feeling only, but this is the reason that I have always been reluctant to attach any kind of negativity to the music from his very last years (post "ALS"); as difficult as it may be to listen to and understand. IMO, artistry that deep deserves the listener’s humility and willingness to consider that it is we who are not up to the task.
Schubert, very interesting that you should, without knowing the background of the music, attach religiosity to it.
Schubert, very interesting that you should, without knowing the background of the music, attach religiosity to it.