The idea comes to me from outside of me - and is like a gift. I then take the idea and make it my own - that is where the skill lies.
Johannes BrahmsRead
Composers in the old days used to keep strictly to the base of the theme, as their real subject. Beethoven varies the melody, harmony and rhythms so beautifully.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Brahms praises Beethoven's innovative approach to musical composition.
In this quote, Johannes Brahms reflects on the traditional compositional practices of earlier composers who adhered closely to their themes. He admires Beethoven for his ability to creatively vary elements like melody, harmony, and rhythm, demonstrating a significant evolution in musical expression that adds richness and depth to the art of composition.
Themes
BeethovenCompositionCreativityMusicArt
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about the evolution of music, I would use this quote to highlight Beethoven's impact on musical composition.
More from Johannes Brahms
All quotes βIt is not hard to compose, but what is fabulously hard is to leave the superfluous notes under the table.
Johannes BrahmsRead
We cling nervously to the melody, but we don't handle it freely, we don't really make anything new out of it, we merely overload it.
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Those are miracles that no merely human brain can work. The artist is merely the sound conduct of a Force that dictates to him what he should do.
Johannes BrahmsRead
The fact that most people do not understand and respect the very best things, such as Mozart's concertos, is what permits men like us to become famous.
Johannes BrahmsRead
Study Bach. There you will find everything.
Johannes BrahmsRead
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