Franz Schubert: 'I am composing like a god, as if it simply had to be done as it has been done.'

I am composing like a god, as if it simply had to be done as it has been done.

Franz Schubert's quote, 'I am composing like a god, as if it simply had to be done as it has been done,' captures the essence of his creative process and the unstoppable force that drives him. At first glance, the quote may seem confident and perhaps even boastful. However, on a deeper level, it reveals the fascinating realm of creative inspiration and the profound relationship between artist and creation.In its straightforward interpretation, Schubert's quote speaks to the intensity and conviction with which he composed his music. Like a god, he felt an unparalleled sense of power and inevitability, as if his compositions existed in some ethereal plane, waiting for him to bring them to life. It reflects his deep connection to his craft and his unwavering belief in the importance of artistic expression. This quote encapsulates the mindset of a composer who dedicates himself fully to his creative work, guided by an unwavering sense of purpose.However, let's delve into a philosophical concept that brings an unexpected twist to this exploration – the concept of artistic surrender. While Schubert's quote emphasizes his god-like creative power, there is also an underlying suggestion of relinquishing control. In the act of composing, Schubert is not just a god-like figure dictating the course of his work, but rather a vessel through which the music flows. This surrender to the creative process opens up a fascinating realm of artistic channeling and connection to something greater than oneself.Schubert's description of being "compelled" to compose also hints at the idea of a higher force at play. This force, sometimes referred to as the muse, operates beyond the artist's conscious will. It suggests that creativity is not solely an act of individual genius but a collaboration between the artist and a divine, intangible source of inspiration. Schubert's creative prowess becomes a seamless blend of his own immense talent and the influence of something beyond his control.Comparatively, this concept aligns with the ideas explored in Greek mythology. Ancient Greeks believed in the existence of muses, divine entities that served as the source of inspiration for artists and creatives. These muses were seen as ethereal beings who guided and influenced the creative process. Schubert's assertion of composing "as if it simply had to be done" echoes the notion of inspiration striking like a lightning bolt, an invitation from the gods themselves.The parallel between Schubert's artistic surrender and the Greek muses is a testament to the timeless nature of creativity. Across different cultures and centuries, artists have sought to capture the enigmatic nature of inspiration and the indescribable connection between creative minds and a higher realm. It is this unfathomable bond that ignites the passion within artists, beckoning them to their craft as if their work pre-existed their own existence.In conclusion, Franz Schubert's quote offers a glimpse into the transformative power of artistic creation. It encapsulates both his unwavering confidence in his abilities and the profound surrender to a force greater than himself. This blending of self-assuredness and humbleness taps into a mysterious world where artistic expression becomes a divine collaboration. Whether we interpret Schubert's words as an assertion of his own creative might or an acknowledgment of a higher creative power at play, his quote serves as a reminder of the enduring fascination with the interplay between artist and creation that transcends time and culture.