Leave off driving your composers. It might prove to be as…
““Leave off driving your composers. It might prove to be as dangerous as it is generally unnecessary. After all, composing cannot be turned out like spinning or sewing. Some respected colleagues (Bach, Mozart, Schubert) have spoilt the world terribly. But if we can’t imitate them in the beauty of their writing, we should certainly beware of seeking to match the speed of their writing. It would also be unjust to put all the blame on idleness alone. Many factors combine to make writing harder for us (my contemporaries), and especially me. If, incidentally, they would use us poets for some other purpose, they would see that we are thoroughly and naturally industrious dispositions . . . . I have no time: otherwise I should love to chat on the difficulty of composing and how irresponsible publishers are.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Do not rush the creative process; quality and depth matter more than speed, and external pressures can hinder true artistry.
In simple terms: Take time, focus on depth, avoid unnecessary haste.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize thoughtful creation over speed.
Themes
creativity
artistry
pace
quality
pressure
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
advisory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing music
- teaching composition
- publishing
- managing deadlines
Key Concepts
musical composition
artistic integrity
creative process
Questions to Reflect On
- How does pressure affect your creative output?
- What practices help you maintain depth?
A Different Perspective
Rushing can compromise originality and lead to superficial work.