Richard Strauss describes the experience of composing and from where the great pieces of music come.
"Composing is a procedure that is not so readily explained….When the inspiration comes, it is something of so subtle, tenuous, will-of-the-wisp-like nature that it almost defies definition. When I am in my most inspiried moods, I have definite compelling visions, involving a higher selfhood. I feel at such moments that I am tapping the source of infinite and eternal energy from which you and I and all things proceed. Religion calls it God…. "I realize that the ability to have such ideas register in my consciousness is a divine gift. It is a mandate from God, a charge entrusted to my keeping, and I feel that my highest duty is to make the most of this gift to grow and expand…. "[Composing arouses] in me boundless wonder at the universality of the divine spark within us and how it works. [It] seems to be without limit in its capacity for inspiring anyone who feel the true creative urge within him…. "I am not far enough advanced in my evolution to presume to define such a cosmic force, but I know that I can appropriate it to some extent….Less than five percent in my opinion [of today’s composers] can do this. Fully ninety-five percent of today’s musical output is purely cerebral, and consequently of short life." No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.11.17/951 - Release Date: 8/13/2007 10:15 AM
