Do not believe those who try to persuade you that

composition is only a cold exercise of the intellect.

The only music capable of moving and touching us is
that which flows from the depths of a composers soul
when he is stirred by inspiration. There is no doubt
that even the greatest musical geniuses have
sometimes worked without inspiration. This guest
does not always respond to the first invitation. We
must always work, and a self-respecting artist must
not fold his hands on the pretext that he is not in the
mood. If we wait for the mood, without endeavouring
to meet it half-way, we easily become indolent and
apathetic. We must be patient, and believe that
inspiration will come to those who can master their
disinclination.
A few days ago I told you I was working every day
without any real inspiration. Had I given way to my
disinclination, undoubtedly I should have drifted into a
long period of idleness. But my patience and faith did
not fail me, and to-day I felt that inexplicable glow of
inspiration of which I told you; thanks to which I know
beforehand that whatever I write to-day will have
power to make an impression, and to touch the
hearts of those who hear it. I hope you will not think I
am indulging in self-laudation, if I tell you that I very
seldom suffer from this disinclination to work. I
believe the reason for this is that I am naturally
patient. I have learnt to master myself, and I am glad
I have not followed in the steps of some of my
Russian colleagues, who have no self-confidence and
are so impatient that at the least difficulty they are

ready to throw up the sponge. This is why, in spite of

great gifts, they accomplish so little, and that in an
amateur way.
PYOTR ILICH TCHAIKOVSKY