Meaning: This quote from composer Brian Ferneyhough provides an intriguing insight into the creative process of composers and the complex interplay that exists between them. The notion of composers engaging in a dialogue with their predecessors and contemporaries, and even engaging in arguments with them across time, highlights the interconnectedness of musical creation and the enduring influence of musical traditions.

Firstly, the concept of composers engaging in a dialogue with one another speaks to the interconnectedness of musical creation across different periods and styles. Composers are often influenced by the works of their predecessors, engaging in a continuous conversation with the musical ideas and innovations that have come before them. This dialogue is not limited to direct interactions or collaborations but extends to the ways in which composers interpret, reinterpret, and build upon the musical legacy of those who have preceded them.

Furthermore, the idea of composers obsessively and bitterly arguing with one another underscores the deep emotional and intellectual investment that composers have in their craft. This intense engagement with the work of other composers reflects the passionate and often competitive nature of artistic creation. Composers may vehemently disagree with the approaches and techniques of their peers, leading to spirited debates and disagreements that fuel the evolution of musical styles and conventions.

The phrase "over the span of several centuries" further emphasizes the enduring nature of these dialogues and arguments. Composers are not only engaged in conversations with their immediate contemporaries but are also in dialogue with the composers of the past and, in a sense, with those of the future. This long-term perspective highlights the ongoing evolution of musical language and the ways in which composers continually grapple with the traditions and innovations of the past while seeking to push the boundaries of musical expression.

In practical terms, this quote sheds light on the ways in which composers study, analyze, and internalize the works of their predecessors. Through this process, composers engage in a form of musical discourse, absorbing and responding to the ideas and techniques of those who have come before them. This ongoing dialogue and argumentation contribute to the development of a rich tapestry of musical expression, as each generation of composers builds upon the achievements and challenges the conventions of the past.

From a historical perspective, the quote also speaks to the continuity of musical traditions and the ways in which composers inherit and transform the musical languages of their predecessors. The dialogues and arguments that take place between composers across different eras serve as a testament to the enduring relevance of musical ideas and the ways in which they continue to inspire and provoke creative minds.

In conclusion, Brian Ferneyhough's quote encapsulates the dynamic and multilayered nature of the relationships between composers and their musical predecessors and contemporaries. It illustrates how composers engage in a complex dialogue with the past, present, and future, constantly challenging and being challenged by the ideas and innovations of their peers. This ongoing exchange of musical ideas and the passionate debates that arise from it form a vital part of the creative process, contributing to the rich tapestry of musical expression that continues to evolve across centuries.