[tobr]

It’s not an objective ceiling when we disagree on which way is up! You have a super-weird and specific idea of what it means to play piano. I really can’t think of a less inspiring goal than playing “advanced” or “technically challenging” music. If you like to do that, go nuts, but don’t assume that anything else is meaningless.

[rwhyan]

How is that "super-weird" or "specific"? If anything, your idea of advanced pieces not being "up" is obscure.

> I really can’t think of a less inspiring goal than playing “advanced” or “technically challenging” music

Really? You can't understand how aiming to conquer a highly technical and musical piece is inspiring? It's the same as tackling any other difficult goal.

Music at a less technical level isn't meaningless, but it's an inherent limitation on your musicality if your repertoire is limited by technique.

Technique facilitates greater musicality. Sheet music facilitates greater technique.

Regardless, do as you please, but it's like saying, "I'll never learn code, because I can build no-code products!"

[tobr]

> You can't understand how aiming to conquer a highly technical and musical piece is inspiring?

You are putting words in my mouth - I am saying it’s not inspiring to me. I can understand that someone else might find it inspiring, sure! Like speedrunning a video game, some might find it an enjoyable challenge - but I think they can see that there are other reasons to play games. They wouldn’t say “who’s it for?” about a strategy guide because it’s not about speed.

For what it’s worth, I disagree with almost all of your descriptions of what musicality consists of. It’s not about repertoire or technique. If you see what types of music most people enjoy listening to and playing, you can see that you have a niche point of view. Technically challenging music is not more enjoyable to play or hear. Sheet music is irrelevant to most types of music, both historically and today - music is fundamentally heard and felt, not written and read, nor conquered.

I’ll leave this conversation now as it doesn’t appear to go anywhere meaningful.

[dbalatero]

Yes, and, it's a niche view even if you restrict things to America/western music. From a global perspective it's even more niche, limiting, and boxed in.