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
All these tales of people sitting down and composing symphonies just as though they were writing a letter are very much exaggerated; at least, it isn't that way in my work.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that the creative process of writing music is often romanticized and not as easy as merely writing a letter.
George Gershwin highlights the myth that composing music, like writing a symphony, is an effortless task that comes naturally to the composer. His statement reveals that the reality of creating music is far more complex and requires significant effort, skill, and dedication, challenging the perception that creativity flows freely and simply.
Themes
CreativityCompositionArtMusicEffort
In practice
Example use cases
During a music appreciation class to discuss the nature of creativity in art.
More from George Gershwin
All quotes →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.
George GershwinRead
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
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