Talent works, genius creates. Summit or death, either way, I win. People compose for many reasons: to become immortal; because the pianoforte happens to be open; because they want to become a millionaire; because of the praise of friends; because they have looked into a pair of beautiful eyes; for no reason whatsoever. It is the curse of talent that, although it labors with greater steadiness and perseverance than genius, it does not reach its goal, while genius already on the summit of the ideal, gazes laughingly about. In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of. If we were all determined to play the first violin we should never have an ensemble. Therefore, respect every musician in his proper place. |