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Achieve Quote by Igor Stravinsky

“We have a duty towards music; namely to invent it. ...Invention presupposes imagination but should not be confused with it. For the act of invention implies the necessity of a lucky find and of achieving realization of this find. What we imagine does not necessarily take on concrete form and may…” quote by Igor Stravinsky
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“We have a duty towards music; namely to invent it. ...Invention presupposes imagination but should not be confused with it. For the act of invention implies the necessity of a lucky find and of achieving realization of this find. What we imagine does not necessarily take on concrete form and may remain in a state of virtuality; whereas invention is not conceivable apart from its actually being worked out.”

Igor Stravinsky

About This Quote

Source Essay: "On Music and Invention", 1935

Music creators must move beyond imagination to tangible invention, requiring discovery and realization, not just abstract ideas.

In simple terms: Inventing music needs real creation, not just dreaming.

Key Takeaway

Turn imagined ideas into concrete musical works.

Themes

creativity innovation music realization

Mood

inspirational analytical

Type

artistic educational

When to use this quote

  • musical composition
  • creative workshops
  • collaborative projects

Key Concepts

artistic process inventive practice disciplinary imagination

Questions to Reflect On

  • What steps will you take to materialize a musical idea?
  • How do you differentiate between dreaming and inventing?
A Different Perspective

Imagination alone may never become audible without effort.

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