Meaning: Michel Legrand, a renowned composer, encapsulates his creative process in this quote, shedding light on the intricate and often demanding nature of composing music. His method of writing melodies, sifting through a multitude of ideas to distill them down to the essential few, offers insight into the meticulous craftsmanship and discernment required in the art of composition.

Legrand's approach of generating a large number of melodies, only to discard the majority of them, reflects a dedication to the pursuit of musical perfection. This method underscores the intense labor and commitment that underpins the creation of music at a professional level. It also speaks to the notion that creativity is often a process of exploration and refinement, as artists search for the most compelling and resonant expressions of their ideas.

The act of casting off numerous melodies until only a select few remain highlights the importance of discernment and quality control in the creative process. It emphasizes the need for artists to be discerning and critical of their own work, constantly striving to elevate their compositions to the highest standard. This aspect of Legrand's quote serves as a reminder that the pursuit of excellence in art often involves making difficult choices and sacrifices in the quest for the most impactful and meaningful artistic expression.

Furthermore, the idea that Legrand seeks the input of a director when deciding on the final melody speaks to the collaborative nature of music composition, particularly in the context of film or theater. It underscores the importance of collaboration and the willingness to seek outside perspectives in the pursuit of creating the most fitting and evocative musical accompaniment for a particular project. This aspect of the quote highlights the interplay between the composer and other creative professionals, underscoring the collaborative and adaptive nature of music composition in various artistic contexts.

In a broader sense, Legrand's quote offers valuable insights into the creative process itself, shedding light on the often demanding and iterative nature of artistic creation. It underscores the notion that the path to artistic excellence is rarely linear, and that it often involves a process of trial and error, refinement, and discernment. This resonates with the experiences of many artists across various disciplines, as they grapple with the complexities of realizing their creative visions.

Moreover, the quote also speaks to the inherent value of perseverance and dedication in the creative process. By emphasizing the act of generating and discarding numerous melodies in the pursuit of perfection, Legrand's words underscore the relentless pursuit of artistic excellence that drives many composers and creators. This aspect of the quote serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment and passion that underpins the work of dedicated artists striving to achieve their artistic goals.

In summary, Michel Legrand's quote encapsulates the intricate and demanding nature of composing music, offering valuable insights into the creative process and the pursuit of artistic excellence. His method of generating a multitude of melodies and then meticulously distilling them down to the essential few underscores the rigorous craftsmanship and discernment required in the art of composition. Furthermore, the collaborative aspect of seeking input from a director highlights the adaptive and cooperative nature of music composition in various artistic contexts. Ultimately, Legrand's words serve as a poignant reminder of the perseverance, dedication, and discernment that underpin the pursuit of artistic excellence in the realm of music composition.