Kuznetsov, Tchaikovsky, 1893
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Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was born on this day in 1840 (O.S.).
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 a
self-respecting artist must not fold his hands on the pretext that he is not in
the mood. If we wait for the mood, without endeavoring to meet it half-way, we
easily become indolent and apathetic. We must be patient, and believe that
inspiration will come to those who can master their disinclination. Had I given way to my disinclination,
undoubtedly I should have drifted into a long period of idleness. But my
patience and faith did not fail me, and to-day I felt that inexplicable glow of
inspiration of which I told you; thanks to which I know beforehand that
whatever I write to-day will have power to make an impression, and to touch the
hearts of those who hear it. I hope you will not think I am indulging in
self-laudation, if I tell you that I very seldom suffer from this
disinclination to work. I believe the reason for this is that I am naturally
patient. I have learnt to master myself, and I am glad I have not followed in
the steps of some of my Russian colleagues, who have no self-confidence and are
so impatient that at the least difficulty they are ready to throw up the
sponge. This is why, in spite of great gifts, they accomplish so little, and
that in an amateur way.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Viktoria Mullova performs the Violin Concerto in D, Op. 35 ...
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