Apotheosis - be in it, relinquish it
Of all the music I have composed so far in my life, many will probably regard my Third Symphony as an apotheosis, and I may as well admit that when I was composing it I found myself in an apotheosis-like state of mind as regards my own existence. I use the term 'apotheosis' to mean a stage in life, a state of mind, which is marvellous to be in, but - one has to say with Goethe - watch out that you don't say to yourself "please stay", because if you try and remain in the apotheosis state you will end up living a lie. Apotheosis is a wonderful gift, like lyricism, or sense experience, both of which can produce an apotheosis-like state, but you have to let it find its own rhythm, and the moment at which it will manifest itself. And you must allow yourself to let it go again, you have to let it disappear when the time comes to face other, and perhaps more severe challenges.
