AES134 Mastering Disinclination

Do not believe those who try to persuade you that composition is only a cold exercise of the intellect.

The only music capable of moving and touching us is that which flows from the depths of a composer’s soul when he is stirred by inspiration.

There is no doubt that even the greatest musical geniuses have sometimes worked without inspiration.

This guest does not always respond to the first invitation, we must always work, and as a self-respecting artist, we must not fold his hands on the pretext that he is not in the mood.

If we wait for the mood, without endeavouring to meet it halfway, we easily become indolent and apathetic.

We must be patient, and believe that inspiration will come to those who can master their disinclination.

A few days ago I was working every day without any real inspiration.

Had I given way to my disinclination, undoubtedly I would have drifted into a long period of idleness.

But my patience and faith did not fail me, and today I felt that inexplicable glow of inspiration, 

Thanks to which I know that whatever I write today will have power to make an impression, 

And touch the hearts of those who hear it.

-Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky-