It has to be able to play at the maximum expression and communication in every style, and the only way you can do that is - like Verdi said - working with a file, every day, little by little, until the orchestra's collective qualities emerge.

The quote "It has to be able to play at the maximum expression and communication in every style, and the only way you can do that is - like Verdi said - working with a file, every day, little by little, until the orchestra's collective qualities emerge" by James Levine emphasizes the process of refining an orchestra's performance through consistent effort and discipline. Levine, a renowned conductor, is explaining how a conductor must ensure that the orchestra can convey the deepest expression and communicate effectively across different musical styles. Achieving this level of mastery requires ongoing work, much like the gradual honing of an object with a file.

The reference to Verdi, the famous composer, underscores the idea that achieving excellence in music requires patience and continuous effort. Verdi believed in the importance of constant improvement, symbolized here by the act of using a file—a tool used to refine and shape something slowly over time. Levine is using this metaphor to stress that musical expression doesn't come instantly; it requires steady, daily practice to bring out the orchestra's full potential.

Levine is also highlighting the collaborative nature of orchestral music. Unlike solo performances, an orchestra requires every musician to work together, and their collective qualities must emerge through consistent practice and fine-tuning. The idea is that the conductor's role is to guide this process, ensuring that the orchestra achieves maximum expression and unity in their performance.

Ultimately, James Levine's quote emphasizes the importance of gradual, methodical work in mastering musical performance. It speaks to the discipline required to elevate an orchestra’s abilities and to allow each musician's individual contribution to blend seamlessly into a unified whole. This approach, according to Levine, is the key to achieving the highest level of communication and expression in music.