Meaning: In the quote "In the nineteenth century the more grandiose word inspiration began to replace the word idea in the arts" by Lukas Foss, the composer is drawing attention to the evolving terminology and conceptual framework within the artistic realm during the 19th century. The shift from the word "idea" to "inspiration" signifies a broader transformation in the understanding and articulation of artistic creation and the creative process.

During the 19th century, the arts underwent significant changes as a result of the Romantic movement. This era was characterized by a heightened emphasis on emotion, imagination, and individual expression, diverging from the rationalism and restraint of the preceding Neoclassical period. The Romantic artists sought to connect with the innermost emotions and experiences, often drawing inspiration from nature, mythology, and personal introspection. This shift in artistic sensibility was accompanied by a corresponding shift in the language used to describe and conceptualize artistic creation.

The word "idea," with its connotations of rational thought and intellectual conception, became less adequate in capturing the profound and emotive nature of artistic inspiration during this period. As such, the term "inspiration" began to gain prominence, reflecting a deeper, more visceral source of creative influence. This shift in terminology represents a broader cultural and philosophical shift, as artists sought to articulate the ineffable, transcendent experience of being moved by a powerful and evocative force.

The use of the word "grandiose" in Foss's quote suggests that the replacement of "idea" with "inspiration" was not merely a linguistic shift, but a reflection of the heightened significance and reverence accorded to the creative impulse in the arts. The word "inspiration" carries with it a sense of divine or supernatural influence, underscoring the Romantic belief in the artist as a conduit for transcendent forces, rather than a mere creator of intellectual concepts.

Moreover, the shift from "idea" to "inspiration" also speaks to a broader reevaluation of the role of the artist in society. In the Romantic period, artists were increasingly viewed as visionary figures, capable of transcending the mundane and offering profound insights into the human experience. The term "inspiration" aligns with this reimagining of the artist as a conduit for profound, otherworldly forces, rather than a mere generator of ideas.

In conclusion, Lukas Foss's quote sheds light on the evolving language and conceptual framework within the arts during the 19th century. The replacement of "idea" with "inspiration" reflects a broader cultural and philosophical shift, as artists sought to articulate the profound and emotive nature of creative influence. This linguistic transformation not only captures the changing sensibilities of the Romantic era but also underscores the heightened significance and reverence accorded to the creative impulse in the arts.