Meaning: Ruggero Leoncavallo, an Italian composer, is known for his quote, "When I need the idea, I can find it immediately. I have a horror of rewriting or deleting; the parts of my composition are carried in my head 'till I can write them down, even to the last note. Then I do not alter a jot." This quote reflects Leoncavallo's approach to composing music, shedding light on his creative process and attitude towards the act of creation.

Leoncavallo's statement encapsulates the concept of artistic inspiration and the creative process. He emphasizes the immediacy of finding the idea when it is needed, suggesting a sense of spontaneity and intuition in his creative work. This immediacy implies a deep connection between the composer and his creative source, where ideas flow effortlessly and are readily accessible to him when he embarks on a new composition. It hints at a certain level of artistic receptivity and attunement to inspiration, suggesting that Leoncavallo is open and responsive to creative impulses as they arise.

The composer's aversion to rewriting or deleting underscores his commitment to the initial vision or spark of inspiration. He expresses a "horror" toward the idea of altering or discarding elements of his compositions, indicating a strong attachment to the original ideas that manifest in his mind. This sentiment suggests a desire to preserve the purity and authenticity of his creative output, valuing the organic, unadulterated expression of his initial inspirations. It also hints at a sense of confidence and conviction in the ideas that he channels, as he feels no need to revise or amend them once they have been captured in their entirety.

The notion that the parts of his composition are carried in his head until he can write them down speaks to the role of memory and mental rehearsal in Leoncavallo's creative process. It suggests that he maintains a vivid internal representation of the musical elements he wishes to compose, holding onto them within the recesses of his mind until the opportune moment arrives for their externalization. This highlights the significance of mental imagery and internalized creative incubation in his approach, indicating that the act of composing begins internally, with the gestation of musical ideas within his imagination.

The phrase "even to the last note" further emphasizes the meticulousness and completeness with which Leoncavallo conceives his compositions mentally before transcribing them into actual musical notation. It conveys a sense of precision and exactitude in his internal musical imagery, suggesting that he is able to envision and retain even the minutest details of his compositions within his cognitive domain. This attention to detail and comprehensive mental encapsulation of his musical ideas underscores the depth of his imaginative engagement with his creative work.

Furthermore, the statement "Then I do not alter a jot" reinforces the idea that once Leoncavallo commits his compositions to paper, he regards them as finalized and immutable. This unwavering stance reflects a steadfast belief in the integrity and authenticity of his initial inspirations, as well as a reluctance to tamper with the organic flow and coherence of his musical ideas. It conveys a sense of artistic decisiveness and a commitment to honoring the original essence of his creative vision, suggesting that he views his compositions as complete entities that should remain unaltered once they have been transcribed.

In conclusion, Ruggero Leoncavallo's quote offers valuable insights into his approach to creativity and composition. It portrays a composer deeply attuned to the immediacy of inspiration, committed to preserving the integrity of his original ideas, and adept at mentally conceptualizing and retaining the entirety of his compositions before translating them into tangible form. Leoncavallo's words illuminate the intricate interplay between imagination, memory, and creative expression, shedding light on the inner workings of a composer dedicated to capturing and preserving the authenticity of his artistic vision.