Richard Strauss
 
“.. but no matter how clever the workmanship,
no composition will live unless it is inspired.

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15. 25, 16. 26, 17. 29, 30
5. 9, 6. 10, 11, 7. 12, 8. 13, 9. 14, 15, 10. 16,
15. 25, 16. 26, 27, 17. 28
Composing is a procedure that is not so
readily explained.

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5. 9, 6. 10, 10. 16, 17, 17. 28, 29
5. 6, 7, 10. 18, 19, 17. 30, 31
4. 4, 5, 11. 20, 21, 18. 32, 33
When the inspiration comes,
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it is something of so subtle, tenuous,
will-o-the-wisp-like nature
that it almost defies definition.

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When in my most inspired moods, I have definite compelling visions, involving a higher selfhood.
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I feel at such moments that I am tapping the source of infinite and eternal energy from which you and I and all things proceed. Religion calls it God.
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7. 8. 15.
5. 10. 17.
4. 11. 18.
6. 9. 16.

It is of the utmost importance to put the thoughts on paper immediately lest they quickly fade away. Once fixed I often look at them again and this conjures up the same frame of mind that gave birth to them; thus the ideas grow and expand.

I am a firm believer in the germination of the idea.
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I realize that the ability to have such ideas register
in my consciousness

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15.
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is a Divine gift.
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16.
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It is a mandate from God,
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a charge entrusted to my keeping,
and I feel that my highest duty is,

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to make the most of this gift – to grow and expand.

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I was, however, definitely conscious of being aided by a more than earthly Power, and that it was responsive to my determined suggestions.
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A firm believe in this Power
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must precede the ability to draw on it
purposefully and intelligently.

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15. 25, 16. 26, 27, 17. 28
That much I definitely know.”

Richard Strauss
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