A soul that is sensitive to truth is easily excited to emotion
and incited to effort. Haydn, it is said, had his musical genius
aroused by the brilliancy of a diamond ring he wore, the gift of
Frederick the Great.
We confer a greater blessing on our fellow men when by any act, or even
by any look, we draw out what is in them, than when we bestow any gift
or favor upon them.
(1638)
* * * * *
The famous operatic composers had different methods of getting
inspiration for their immortal compositions. One could not
write the score unless he had a cat upon his shoulders. There
are in his symphonies suggestions of an orchestra which every
one of us born in the country recognizes as the familiar strain
of a summer’s night; another could stir his genius best at the
billiard-table, and in his refrains is heard the rattling fire
of the ivory balls; while a third, by walks in the woods and
communing with nature, transferred to the orchestra and chorus
the sublime secrets of creation.--CHAUNCEY M. DEPEW.
(1639)