Talks With Great Composers

by Arthur Abell

What Inspires Creativity? Between the years 1890 and 1917 Arthur M. Abell engaged in lengthy, candid conversations with the greatest composers of his day-- Johannes Brahms, Giacomo Puccini, Richard Strauss, Engelbert Humperdinck, Max Bruch, and Edvard Grieg-- about the intellectual, psychic, and spiritual tensions of their great creative endeavors. The result of their probing and insightful discussions is quite simply a masterpiece-- a document that reveals the agony, triumphs, and the religiosity inherent in the creative mind. The six composers readily agreed to explore with their friend their innermost thoughts regarding the psychology of the creative process. Brahms insisted, however, that his disclosures not be published until fifty years after his death, because, he said, "I will not find my true place in musical history until at least half a century after I am gone." A tribute to creative inspiration, "Talks with Great Composers" sparkles with wit, candor, humor, and the genius of the most cherished composers of all time.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1960

Reviews

[Freddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The conversations are fascinating of course, especially on the subject of the great composers' spiritual beliefs. Still, the portraits created, especially with respect to Brahms, don't correspond with details in recent biographies (Swafford, etc.). Indeed, scholars have contested Abell's accounts.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I was fascinated with Brahms, Grieg and Wagner's explanation of help from a Spiritual Source to help them compose music. Abell asks Brahms, "how do you contact Omnipotence" Here is some of Brahms reply, "To realize that we are one with the Creator, as Beethoven did, is a wonderful and awe-inspiring experience. Very few human beings ever come into that realization and that is why there are so few great composers or creative geniuses in any line of human endeavor. I always contemplate all this before commencing to compose. This is the first step. When I feel the urge I begin by appealing directly to my Maker and I fist ask Him the three most important question pertaining to our life here in this world--whence, wherefore, whither?
"I immediately feel vibrations that thrill my whole being. These are the Spirit illuminating the soul power within, and in this exalted state, I see clearly what is obscure in my ordinary moods; then I feel capable of drawing inspiration from above, as Beethoven did. Above all, I realize at such moments the tremendous significance of Jesus' supreme revelation, 'I and my Father are one.' Those vibrations assume the forms of distance mental images, after I have formulated my desire and resolve in regard to what I want--namely to be inspired so that I can compose something that will uplift and benefit humanity--something of permanent value."
"Straightaway the ideas flow in upon me, directly from God, and not only do I see distinct themes in my mind's eye, but they are clothed in the right forms, harmonies and orchestration. Measure by measure, the finished product is revealed to me when I am in those rare, inspired moods. . ."

[Tandava Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

The actual concepts of inspiration, composition, etc. are more clearly explained in Art as a Hidden Message. Here they're described by folks who are all basically figuring it out from scratch without quite getting the whole picture. (And it can be a little confusing in their use of terms like "ego" and "subconscious.") On the other hand, these folks are pretty darn good composers -- not to mention guest appearances by Tennyson and other poets -- so it certainly worked for them. And in a way, that's part of the charm -- this really IS the way creativity works, it's not a dogma but something everyone will discover on their own if they take it far enough. For what it's worth, I think Puccini and Wagner (though thirdhand) had some of the clearest explanations of what they felt was going on.

There's also a fascinating sense of time travel about this book, for some reason stronger than just reading an ordinary book from an earlier century. Maybe it's just the fact that that the book itself is 60 years old, but even when it was published had already been withheld (at Brahms' request) for over 50 years. It's just a neat little window into a previous era, and the author really had many fascinating conversations with and about a great many of the famous artists of his day. It's a great read for anyone who's a fan of late 19th- early 20th-century classical music.

[Shawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly interesting exploration of inspiration. It reads somewhat like an article in a men's magazine about some of the world's most interesting men. Abell's acquaintance with leading musical figures serves well the authenticity of this book as a record of certain influences, some divine, upon the minds of Brahms, Strauss, Puccini, et al. He asks inquisitive questions and is spiritually inclined throughout. This book urges the reader to ponder upon God, the All-Glorious, and to meditate on life & death.
It's useful for the sake of musicianship. It was particularly fascinating to learn of Brahms--what a man! A mystic. This book's great for having such an interview of him, and to hear of his insights, and of his contemplation of the divine. His awareness of higher worlds is a beautiful lesson for the reader, I believe. His regular reference to scripture for guidance (and to this, I mean any man of any country of any canon) is rhythmic. It's a swift read, but it could be read in a richer mode by pausing to listen online to the many pieces of music referenced. I suspect that musicians more knowledgeable & capable than I might appreciate & enjoy this one. It's not a long, dense, or arduous read, but it's got an old-fashioned air to it. The men mentioned are highly intellectual, creative, & artistic, and they're wont to reference literature often.

[Alyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read. I love this book. Maybe I'll give it five stars my next time through. Some people question the authenticity of his interviews but I guess the skeptic in me went right out the window because it sounded believable to me. I liked the idea the artists shared that inspiration comes from God but you've gotta put the work in to have the skills to use what he gives you. Some people have skills but no inspiration. Some have inspiration but no skills to produce the works God shares with them. Great composers have both.

[Kari · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not what I thought it would be after all the different things it was claimed to contain.