Meaning: The quote provided is by Gordon Getty, an American businessman, composer, and philanthropist. In this quote, Getty recounts an experience he had in Paris at an English-language bookstore, where he picked up a volume of poetry by Emily Dickinson. He describes reading 2,000 of her poems and being so inspired that he immediately began composing music in his head. Getty goes on to explain that he wrote down the melodies even before he had access to a piano.

This quote offers insight into the profound impact that poetry, particularly the work of Emily Dickinson, had on Getty's creative process. It highlights the way in which exposure to art and literature can serve as a catalyst for inspiration and creativity, transcending boundaries of language and location.

Emily Dickinson, an American poet who lived in the 19th century, is renowned for her unique and innovative style of poetry. Her works often explore themes of nature, love, death, and the human experience. Dickinson's poetry is characterized by its concise yet profound language, as well as its exploration of complex emotions and philosophical concepts.

It is clear from Getty's quote that he found something deeply resonant in Dickinson's poetry that sparked his own creative energy. The fact that he read such a large volume of her work in one sitting demonstrates the impact her writing had on him. It is also noteworthy that he was in Paris, a city renowned for its artistic and cultural heritage, when he had this experience. This further emphasizes the power of art to transcend geographical and linguistic boundaries.

The quote also sheds light on Getty's creative process as a composer. The fact that he began composing music in his head, without the aid of a piano, speaks to the intensity and immediacy of his inspiration. It reveals the visceral and instinctual nature of creativity, and the profound impact that artistic stimuli can have on the mind.

In addition to being a businessman, Gordon Getty is known for his contributions to the world of classical music as a composer. His experience in the bookstore in Paris serves as a poignant example of the interplay between different forms of artistic expression. It illustrates how literature and music can intersect and influence one another, with one form of art serving as a catalyst for the creation of another.

Overall, Gordon Getty's quote provides a compelling glimpse into the transformative power of literature and the arts. It serves as a testament to the enduring impact of Emily Dickinson's poetry and the profound ways in which artistic inspiration can manifest. Getty's experience in Paris underscores the universal and transcendent nature of creativity, as well as the profound influence that great works of literature can have on the human imagination.

In conclusion, Gordon Getty's experience in Paris, as recounted in the quote provided, offers a powerful testament to the enduring impact of literature on the creative process. It highlights the profound influence of Emily Dickinson's poetry and the universal nature of artistic inspiration. Getty's words serve as a reminder of the transformative power of art and the ways in which it can transcend boundaries of language, location, and medium.