The Rite of Stravinsky

For me as a creative musician, composition is a daily function that I feel compelled to discharge. I compose because I am made for that and cannot do otherwise…I am far from saying that there is no such thing as inspiration…Work brings inspiration if inspiration is not discernible in the beginning.

I stumble across something unexpected. This unexpected element strikes me. I make a note of it. At the proper time, I put it to profitable use.

What fascinated me most of all in [Petrushka] was that the different rhythmic episodes were dictated by the fingers themselves…Fingers are not to be despised; they are great inspirers and, in contact with a musical instrument, often give birth to unconscious ideas which might otherwise never come to life.

I would go on eternally revising my music were I not too busy composing more of it.

I am the first to recognize that daring is the motive force of the finest and greatest artist. I approve of daring; I set no limits to it.

—Igor Stravinsky