Out of my entire annual output of songs, perhaps two, or at the most three, came as a result of inspiration. We can never rely on inspiration. When we most want it, it does not come.
George GershwinRead
The composer does not sit around and wait for an inspiration to walk up and introduce itself...Making music is actually little else than a matter of invention aided and abetted by emotion. In composing we combine what we know of music with what we feel.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Creating music involves a blend of knowledge and emotional expression rather than waiting for inspiration.
In this quote, George Gershwin emphasizes that the act of composing music is not a passive endeavor reliant on sudden flashes of inspiration. Instead, it is an active process where a composer synthesizes their understanding of musical structure and theory with their emotional experiences to create something meaningful. This underscores the importance of both skill and emotion in artistic creation.
Themes
MusicCompositionInventionEmotionCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the creative process in music education.
More from George Gershwin
All quotes →I want to say at once that I frankly believe that Irving Berlin is the greatest songwriter that has ever lived.... His songs are exquisite cameos of perfection, and each one of them is as beautiful as its neighbor. Irving Berlin remains, I think, America's Schubert.
George GershwinRead
Originality is the only thing that counts. But the originator uses material and ideas that occur round him and pass through him. And out of his experience comes the original creation.
George GershwinRead
Summertime And the living is easy Fish are jumpin' And the cotton is high Oh, your daddy's rich And your mama's good lookin' So hush little baby now don't you cry One of these mornin's You're gonna rise up singin' Then you'll spread your wings And take to the sky But til that mornin' Ain't nothin' can harm you With your daddy And your mammy standin' by.
George GershwinRead
For suddenly, I saw you there And through foggy London town The sun was shining everywhere.
George GershwinRead
Music sets up certain vibration which unquestionably results in a physical reaction. Eventually the proper vibration for every person will be found and utilized.
George GershwinRead
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