My dear diary,
Today, I find solace in the meticulous work of editing my symphonies. Some may call it an obsession, but to me, it is a necessary pursuit of perfection. The creative process is not always straightforward; there are twists and turns that require careful consideration and revision.
Take, for example, my 4th symphony "Romantic" in Eb major. When I embarked on this musical journey, I knew that every note must be deliberate and meaningful. As I delved deeper into the composition, I realized that certain movements needed refinement.
The third movement proved to be a challenge. Its original form did not quite capture the essence of what I wanted to convey musically. So, with determination and focus, I set out to rewrite it entirely. The result was a movement that resonated with emotion and depth - a true reflection of my artistic vision.
And then there was the fourth movement. While initially satisfied with its structure and melody, upon further examination, I felt compelled to make adjustments for the 1879/1880 edition. It was not enough for me to settle; every aspect had to be scrutinized until it met my standards of excellence.
Some may question why such attention to detail is necessary or even beneficial in the grand scheme of things. But as an artist dedicated to his craft and his faith in God's gift of music creation – how could one overlook these crucial nuances?
In life as well as artistry – better too obsessed than overlooking significant details which impact your creations greatly towards achieving immortality through perfection
Yours faithfully, Anton Bruckner