The old idea of a composer suddenly having a terrific idea and sitting up all night to write it is nonsense. Nighttime is for sleeping.
Meaning of the quote
The quote means that the common idea of composers having brilliant ideas at night and then staying up late to write music is not true. Composers, like everyone else, should be sleeping at night instead of working.
About Benjamin Britten
Benjamin Britten was an acclaimed English composer, conductor, and pianist who made significant contributions to 20th-century British music. He was known for his operas, including the renowned ‘Peter Grimes,’ as well as his orchestral and chamber works, and his passion for creating music for children and amateur performers.
More quotes from Benjamin Britten
These two are not two Love has made them one Amo Ergo Sum! And by its mystery Each is no less but more.
English composer, conductor, and pianist (1913-1976)
The old idea of a composer suddenly having a terrific idea and sitting up all night to write it is nonsense. Nighttime is for sleeping.
English composer, conductor, and pianist (1913-1976)
It is cruel, you know, that music should be so beautiful. It has the beauty of loneliness of pain: of strength and freedom. The beauty of disappointment and never-satisfied love. The cruel beauty of nature and everlasting beauty of monotony.
English composer, conductor, and pianist (1913-1976)
Composing is like driving down a foggy road toward a house. Slowly you see more details of the house-the color of the slates and bricks, the shape of the windows. The notes are the bricks and the mortar of the house.
English composer, conductor, and pianist (1913-1976)