It was on the train,with its rattle-ty bang,that is often so stimulating to a composer that I suddenly heard the complete construction of the Rhapsody. Comment on his Blue Rhapsody composition.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Rhythmic sounds on trains can inspire complete musical structures.
- In plain terms
- Train noises helped him write music.
- What can you take from it?
- Environment can spark creativity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where do you find ideas?
- Can sound inspire music?
Another view
Not all composers find inspiration in mechanical noises.
More from George Gershwin
I like to think of music as an emotional science.
Permalink to quote #11 The Rhapsody is not a composition at all. It's a string of separate paragraphs stuck together - with a thin paste of flour and water: I don't think there has b…
Permalink to quote #13 An entire composition written in jazz could not live.
Permalink to quote #10
Related quotes
Basically, I write from a two person standpoint. First, I let the song take hold and I put down the idea as a raw emotional statement. Then I let it breathe an…
Bradley JosephBradley Joseph quote #3 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 ai…
George GershwinGeorge Gershwin quote #4 Music is organized sound.
Edgard VareseEdgard Varese quote #4