The more constraints one imposes, the more one frees one's self. And the arbitrariness of the constraint serves only to obtain precision of execution.

Quote by Igor Stravinsky

Topics: Igor Stravinsky Quotes

Music is given to us with the sole purpose of establishing an order in things,...

Music is given to us with the sole purpose of establishing an order in things,...

I was born out of due time in the sense that by temperament and talent...

I was born out of due time in the sense that by temperament and talent...

The principle of the endless melody is the perpetual becoming of a music that never...

The principle of the endless melody is the perpetual becoming of a music that never...

Harpists spend 90 percent of their lives tuning their harps and 10 percent playing out...

Harpists spend 90 percent of their lives tuning their harps and 10 percent playing out...

The real composer thinks about his work the whole time; he is not always conscious...

The real composer thinks about his work the whole time; he is not always conscious...

Film music should have the same relationship to the film drama that somebody's piano playing...

Film music should have the same relationship to the film drama that somebody's piano playing...

Lesser artists borrow, great artists steal.

Lesser artists borrow, great artists steal.

To listen is an effort, and just to hear is no merit. A duck hears...

To listen is an effort, and just to hear is no merit. A duck hears...

The trouble with music appreciation in general is that people are taught to have too...

The trouble with music appreciation in general is that people are taught to have too...

Conductors' careers are made for the most part with 'Romantic' music. 'Classic' music eliminates the...

Conductors' careers are made for the most part with 'Romantic' music. 'Classic' music eliminates the...

Your distress about life might mean you have been living for the wrong reason, not...

Your distress about life might mean you have been living for the wrong reason, not...

The real composer thinks about his work the whole time; he is not always conscious...

The real composer thinks about his work the whole time; he is not always conscious...

I haven't understood a bar of music in my life, but I have felt it.

I haven't understood a bar of music in my life, but I have felt it.

Just as appetite comes from eating, so work brings inspiration, if inspiration is not discernible...

Just as appetite comes from eating, so work brings inspiration, if inspiration is not discernible...

I know that the twelve notes in each octave and the variety of rhythm offer...

I know that the twelve notes in each octave and the variety of rhythm offer...

A plague on eminence! I hardly dare cross the street anymore without a convoy, and...

A plague on eminence! I hardly dare cross the street anymore without a convoy, and...

Money may kindle, but it cannot by itself, and for very long, burn.

Money may kindle, but it cannot by itself, and for very long, burn.

I have learned throughout my life as a composer chiefly through my mistakes and pursuits...

I have learned throughout my life as a composer chiefly through my mistakes and pursuits...

Why is it that whenever I hear a piece of music I don't like, it's...

Why is it that whenever I hear a piece of music I don't like, it's...

I am an inventor of music.

I am an inventor of music.