Why compose?

[Thorolf]

There are literaly centuries of sounding music out there, years of which is brilliantly conceived, composed, instrumentated and realized.

Why then compose?

Is it the pose: “I want the role of a genius” “I want to be Beethoven” (Like in “I want to be Napoleon”)

Is it the power: “I want to move peoples hearts”, “I want to instruct the musicians, make them work for me” “I want to play with this toy (the orchestra)”

Is it egoism: “I want to express myself, and being the wonderful/gifted person I am, that’s only fair”

Is it curiosity: “What is possible?” “How does this cool stuff work?”

Is it inspiration: “I just got this itch, and the only cure is to compose it out”

Or in your own words: Why bother? Why compose?



Regards

[stevel]

Originally Posted by Thorolf

There are literaly centuries of sounding music out there, years of which is brilliantly conceived, composed, instrumentated and realized.

Why then compose?

Is it the pose: “I want the role of a genius” “I want to be Beethoven” (Like in “I want to be Napoleon”)

Is it the power: “I want to move peoples hearts”, “I want to instruct the musicians, make them work for me” “I want to play with this toy (the orchestra)”

Is it egoism: “I want to express myself, and being the wonderful/gifted person I am, that’s only fair”

Is it curiosity: “What is possible?” “How does this cool stuff work?”

Is it inspiration: “I just got this itch, and the only cure is to compose it out”

Or in your own words: Why bother? Why compose?



Regards

I compose because I feel the need to create. I like to make things. One of the things I happen to make is music. I also play music, and this lets me "create it" too (sometimes creations os performance from a score, but sometimes it is improvisation, so percentage being created varies). I take just as much pride in creating a Score - that is, the notation for the music. I like for it to be as "creative" (or as well crafted) as the music it represents. I think if it's pose, power, or egoism, you're in the wrong field!

Steve

[Will Kirk]

I compose because I feel I have to Otherwise I feel like I've wasted something if I don't write an idea down

[ttw]

Because I enjoy composing.

[Ballaw de Quincewold]

The people/audience aspect of composing has never meant much to me. I compose because I have an unexplainable urge to create. (I just wish I was a better composer)

[crimson]

From Thorolf's list I'd pick inspiration and egoism.

Mostly I compose because I have the tools (equipment/software) to do it, and because I get an inspiration; some really cool piece of music starts playing in my head, which drives me to the keyboard. However, I've never completely succeeded in moving a piece from my head to the computer, but still I compose. I just wish I could get myself to do it more often.

[Boneman]

It is like having a baby! The conception,growth and realisation of personality are so similar to writing a piece of music wether 2 minutes or 60 minutes long, it will always be your baby and unique.

[reith]

Originally Posted by Boneman

It is like having a baby! The conception,growth and realisation of personality are so similar to writing a piece of music wether 2 minutes or 60 minutes long, it will always be your baby and unique.

Goodness, I never even noticed I was preggies - I wonder how that happened??? ... Well, it can't have been finale (though they'd shaft anyone for a few £100s, I know). But, ok, I did notice my eyes watering a bit when my string sinfonietta first saw the light of day.

(Blame Thorolf for my high spirits - his song - not the words, just the song). No worries, normal cervix will be restored as soon as possible...

[Lunatique]

Because it is a passion.

Because it's like a natural drug that I'm addicted to.

Because I derive endless joy from it.

Because it gives meaning to my life beyond mundane existence.

Because it's fun as hell.

Because I can.

[sawscape]

The reason for me has evolved over time:
At first it was partly due to laziness/impatience at learning the guitar. It was easier and more interesting to create new music (even if it wasn't as good as other songs).
Later, I became addicted to the joy of creating something new and unique.
Now, it has almost become a "calling" for me to create music that means something and would somehow glorify God, even though I don't have the time to write as much as I am driven to.