The key to the mystery of a great artist is that for reasons unknown, he will give away his energies read more

The key to the mystery of a great artist is that for reasons unknown, he will give away his energies and his life just to make sure that one note follows another . . . and leaves us with the feeling that something is right in the world.

That rich celestial music thrilled the air
From hosts on hosts shining ones, who thronged
Eastward and read more

That rich celestial music thrilled the air
From hosts on hosts shining ones, who thronged
Eastward and westward, making bright the night.

Without music, life would be a mistake.

Without music, life would be a mistake.

Yet half the beast is the great god Pan,
To laugh, as he sits by the river,
read more

Yet half the beast is the great god Pan,
To laugh, as he sits by the river,
Making a poet out of a man.
The true gods sigh for the cost and the pain--
For the reed that grows never more again
As a reed with the reeds of the river.

Music is a higher revelation than philosophy.

Music is a higher revelation than philosophy.

And hears thy stormy music in the drum!

And hears thy stormy music in the drum!

Life is like music; it must be composed by ear, feeling, and instinct, not by rule.

Life is like music; it must be composed by ear, feeling, and instinct, not by rule.

True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time. My people are Americans and my read more

True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time. My people are Americans and my time is today.

Beethoven can write music, thank God, but he can do nothing else on earth.

Beethoven can write music, thank God, but he can do nothing else on earth.