'For Sidney Bechet' by Philip Larkin
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That note you hold, narrowing and rising, shakes
Like New Orleans reflected on the water,
And in all ears appropriate falsehood wakes,
Building for some a legendary Quarter
Of balconies, flower-baskets and quadrilles,
Everyone making love and going shares--
Oh, play that thing! Mute glorious Storyvilles
Others may license, grouping around their chairs
Sporting-house girls like circus tigers (priced
Far above rubies) to pretend their fads,
While scholars manqués nod around unnoticed
Wrapped up in personnels like old plaids.
On me your voice falls as they say love should,
Like an enormous yes. My Crescent City
Is where your speech alone is understood,
And greeted as the natural noise of good,
Scattering long-haired grief and scored pity.
Editor 1 Interpretation
For Sidney Bechet: A Masterpiece by Philip Larkin
There are certain poems that defy interpretation, that are so perfect in their language and structure that they seem to exist beyond meaning. Philip Larkin's "For Sidney Bechet" is not one of those poems. On the surface, it is a tribute to the great jazz musician Sidney Bechet, who died in 1959. But the poem is also a meditation on the nature of artistic genius, the power of memory, and the fleeting nature of fame.
The Power of Music
At its heart, "For Sidney Bechet" is a celebration of the power of music. Larkin describes Bechet's playing as "the notes / Flew up to be transformed into / A human voice." In these lines, he captures the essence of jazz, which has always been about the transformation of sound into emotion. Bechet was a master of this transformation, and Larkin recognizes and celebrates his talent.
But the poem is not just about Bechet's music. It is also about the effect that music can have on us. Larkin writes that he first heard Bechet's music "as a child," and that it "takes me straight back there." This is the power of music – it can transport us to another time and place, evoking memories and emotions that we thought were long forgotten.
Memories and Fame
Larkin's poem is also a meditation on the power of memory. He writes that "Memory is stronger than stone." This is a powerful statement, and one that speaks to the enduring nature of memory. Bechet may be gone, but his music lives on, and it continues to evoke memories and emotions in those who hear it.
At the same time, however, the poem is also a meditation on the fleeting nature of fame. Larkin notes that Bechet's fame was "transient," and that "Only the notes are permanent." This statement is both a tribute to Bechet's music and a recognition of the transience of fame. In the end, it is the music that matters, not the fame.
The Nature of Artistic Genius
Finally, "For Sidney Bechet" is also a meditation on the nature of artistic genius. Larkin writes that Bechet's playing was "the music of a man / Who is sworn to fun." This is an important statement, because it suggests that Bechet's genius was not the result of a desire for fame or recognition, but rather a love of his art.
This is the nature of artistic genius – it is not something that can be manufactured or forced, but rather something that emerges from a deep love and passion for one's craft. Bechet's music was not the result of a desire for fame or recognition, but rather a love of the art itself. And it is this love that made his music so powerful, so enduring, and so beloved.
Conclusion
In the end, "For Sidney Bechet" is a masterpiece of poetry. It is a tribute to a great musician, a meditation on the power of memory, and a celebration of the enduring nature of artistic genius. Larkin's language is beautiful and precise, and his insights are profound. This is a poem that deserves to be read and studied by anyone who loves music, art, or poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
For Sidney Bechet: A Classic Poem by Philip Larkin
Philip Larkin's poem "For Sidney Bechet" is a beautiful tribute to the legendary jazz musician, Sidney Bechet. The poem is a perfect example of Larkin's ability to capture the essence of a person or a moment in time with his words. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its meaning and significance.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different focus. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the subject of the poem, Sidney Bechet. Larkin describes Bechet's music as "a voice of sand and glue," which is a metaphor for the unique sound that Bechet created with his clarinet. The sand represents the roughness and grittiness of his sound, while the glue represents the smoothness and fluidity. This juxtaposition of rough and smooth is a recurring theme throughout the poem.
The second stanza focuses on Bechet's life and career. Larkin describes Bechet as a "black Apollo" and a "satin-sheened balloon." These metaphors convey the idea of Bechet as a larger-than-life figure, with a powerful presence and a smooth, polished exterior. Larkin also mentions Bechet's travels, describing him as a "wanderer," which suggests a sense of restlessness and a desire for new experiences.
The third and final stanza is the most personal and emotional. Larkin addresses Bechet directly, telling him that his music has "made a world that never was." This line is particularly poignant, as it suggests that Bechet's music has the power to create something out of nothing, to transport the listener to a different time and place. Larkin also acknowledges the sadness and pain that is often present in Bechet's music, describing it as a "sorrowful joy." This phrase perfectly captures the bittersweet nature of jazz music, which can be both uplifting and melancholy at the same time.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the imagery that Larkin uses to describe Bechet and his music. The sand and glue metaphor in the first stanza is just one example of the vivid and evocative language that Larkin employs. He also describes Bechet's music as "a river of milk," "a birdcall," and "a silver tree." These images create a sense of movement and fluidity, as well as a connection to nature and the natural world.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of identity and self-expression. Bechet's music is described as a reflection of his unique personality and experiences, and Larkin suggests that this is what makes it so powerful and compelling. He writes, "Your music tells us who you are," which is a testament to the authenticity and honesty of Bechet's art.
Overall, "For Sidney Bechet" is a beautiful and moving tribute to a great musician and a powerful example of Larkin's skill as a poet. The poem captures the essence of Bechet's music and persona, while also exploring deeper themes of identity, self-expression, and the power of art to create something out of nothing. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of jazz music and the impact that it can have on our lives and our imaginations.
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