Brilliant rewrites

Earlier this week, at the age of 103, celebrated modernist composer Elliott Carter left his place in the world. He wrote until the end, fortunate to have found a path that inspired him, and in turn, so many others. 

About his compositions, he once said, "I like to sound spontaneous and fresh, but my first sketches often sound mechanical. I have to write them over until they sound spontaneous." 

It's an idea easily transferred to the work we do. Because similar to music... our work relies deeply on making human connections. At its best, it too, feels natural and original. 

It rarely comes out that way on the first attempt. 

Consider that Elliott Carter's rewrite efforts resulted in Pulitzer Prize-winning music that changed the way many people experience it. A worthy achievement.