All forms when understood aright gladden the spirit.
Melodies are like water. The voice is like a goblet. The pure water in a pure
glass is pleasing. Therefore, it is acceptable. But even though the water be
pure, if it be in a goblet which is not so, this receptacle will make it
unacceptable. Therefore, a faulty voice even though the music be good, is
unpleasing.
- 'Abdu'l-Bahá (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to Mrs. Mary L. Lucas, as
quoted in "A Brief Account of My Visit to Acca" (Chicago: Bahá'í
Publishing Society, 1905), pp. 11-14; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II,
Music)
