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Possible musical forms are as limitless as the exterior forms of crystals.

— Edgard Varèse Aspects of 20th Century Music (1975)

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More quotes by Edgard Varèse

Contrary to general belief, an artist is never ahead of his time but most people are far behind theirs. I was the first composer to explore, so to speak, musical outer space.

Gramophone (1962)

Our musical alphabet is poor and illogical. Music, which should pulsate with life, needs new means of expression, and science alone can infuse it with youthful vigor.

Everyone is born with genius, but most people only keep it a few minutes.

I was not influenced by composers as much as by natural objects and physical phenomena.

There is an idea, the basis of an internal structure, expanded and split into different shapes or groups of sound constantly changing in shape, direction, and speed, attracted and repulsed by various forces. The form of the work is a consequence of this interaction. Possible musical forms are as limitless as the exterior forms of crystals.

Aspects of 20th Century Music (1975)

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