My music is best understood by children and animals.
Igor StravinskyRead
A good composer does not imitate; he steals.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A composer should be original, but sometimes borrowing ideas is part of the creative process.
This quote by Igor Stravinsky suggests that while true creativity involves originality, many artists naturally take inspiration from existing works. Stravinsky argues that rather than merely copying, effective composers adapt and assimilate influences, thereby transforming them into something new and uniquely their own.
Themes
CreativityArtInspirationCompositionOriginality
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about music composition at a workshop.
More from Igor Stravinsky
All quotes βConductors' careers are made for the most part with 'Romantic' music. 'Classic' music eliminates the conductor; we do not remember him in it.
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The trouble with music appreciation in general is that people are taught to have too much respect for music they should be taught to love it instead.
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Invention presupposes imagination but should not be confused with it.
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I was born out of due time in the sense that by temperament and talent I should have been more suited for the life of a small Bach, living in anonymity and composing regularly for an established service and for God.
Igor StravinskyRead
A composer is not only an architect but also an inventor, and he should not build houses in which he cannot live.
Igor StravinskyRead
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