Asking Quote by Virgil Thomson
“I got myself into a lovely little shall we say controversy with André Breton, by pointing out that the discipline of spontaneity, which he was asking his surrealist neophytes to adopt, was new for language but something that composers had been practicing for centuries.”
About This Quote
Spontaneity in art, though new for language, has long existed in music, highlighting interdisciplinary influences.
In simple terms: Spontaneity is historic in music, new to language.
Key Takeaway
Recognize cross‑disciplinary roots of creativity.
Themes
artistic innovation
interdisciplinary
history
creativity
music
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
observation
philosophical
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- musical composition
- art education
Key Concepts
surrealism
spontaneity
disciplinary exchange
Questions to Reflect On
- How can artists integrate ideas from other fields?
- What challenges arise when introducing spontaneity to structured forms?
A Different Perspective
New artistic methods may face resistance from traditionalists.
