The fact that Stravinsky used the classics as a major influence is obvious. What is interesting is how he used them, how he turned Bach into Stravinsky.

I strongly suggest that we play down basics like who influenced whom, and instead study the way the influence is transformed, in other words: how the artist made it his own.

Yes, influences are enriching, and they can be found in every work of art, even the most original.

Since age seven, I've been composing and have never stopped composing, yet, the creative process is as elusive to me as it has ever been.

In the nineteenth century the more grandiose word inspiration began to replace the word idea in the arts.

Truth is a big concept.

It is obvious that anything a scientist discovers or invents is based on previous discoveries and inventions. The same applies to the arts.