Mr. Prout, when composing, makes first a very rapid sketch on two
staves--with instrumental works generally only the upper part and a
figured bass; with choruses, anthems, etc., usually the four-voice
parts. For songs he writes only the melody, with just enough indication
of the accompaniment to prevent his forgetting the idea.
"My first sketches," he says, "are always written as fast as the pen
will go. I make it an invariable rule _never_ to write unless I am in
the humour, and if I find that ideas do not come as fast or faster than
I can put them down, if I have to stop to think what should come next,
I at once put the music-paper aside, knowing that I am not in the mood
for composing. After completing my sketch I begin the fair copy, the
full score, in the case of orchestral work, putting in the details and
often making considerable improvements. My public works usually differ
pretty widely from the original draft; but the first sketch, containing
the fundamental idea, is invariably produced at what I may call a
'white heat.'"
Composition, in this composer's opinion, can be taught so far as the
technique is concerned; but if a student has no ideas, these cannot be
given by any instruction, though a latent talent may often be brought
out and cultivated by proper training. By this he means that there may
be a natural aptitude for composition of which its possessor is unaware
till his teacher discovers and develops it.
Of his own works Mr. Prout thinks he is, perhaps, hardly an impartial
judge, but his own favourites are among the instrumental work, his "3rd
Symphony" and the two quartets in B flat and F; and among the vocal
works, the cantatas the "Red Cross Knight" and "Damon and Phintias."
"It is difficult," continues Mr. Prout, "to give a definite opinion as
to whether the English are a musical nation; it depends so much on the
point of view. Judging by the number of concerts, etc., we are musical
enough, but the want of general public appreciation of the best class
of music, especially in the Metropolis, would incline me to a far
less favourable opinion. In this respect I believe many parts of the
provinces are far ahead of London.
"Do I believe in writing 'to order'? Well, I cannot speak for others,
but for myself, when I receive a commission to write anything, I always
accept, conditionally on the spirit moving me. If the work I am asked
to undertake is sympathetic, the spirit generally moves pretty soon.
Some of my best work has been commissioned, but to write _merely for
money_ is repugnant to me. I have never written a 'pot-boiler' in my
life, and, please God, I never will."