Great Throughts Treasury

This site is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Alan William Smolowe who gave birth to the creation of this database.

Johannes Brahms

German Composer and Pianist

"Straight-away 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."

"Straightaway the ideas flow in upon me, directly from God."

"The idea comes to me from outside of me - and is like a gift. I then take the idea and make it my own - that is where the skill lies."

"Those who enjoy their own emotionally bad health and who habitually fill their own minds with the rank poisons of suspicion, jealousy and hatred, as a rule take umbrage at those who refuse to do likewise, and they find a perverted relief in trying to denigrate them."

"Without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind."