that art was for him a high and holy vocation.[8] Do you wonder? Let
me read you a few words about his devotion: "In order to become a
skilful and able master he studied, without dreaming of the ... fame
he would obtain." "Nothing could be purer, more exalted, than his
thoughts,"[9] because he knew that if his thoughts were not pure the
impurity would come out in his music.

The music that has first been felt in the heart and then written down
finds its way and tells all about the heart, where it was born. When
you play and feel that you are playing from the heart, you may be sure
you are on the right path. The beautiful thing is, that this is true
no matter how simple music is. The very simplest will tell all about
us. Remember, in playing music, that great and good men have put into
tones thoughts which will be a joy and comfort to the world forever.
Some one of these Talks will be about classic and common music. But
even now I am sure we understand that good music comes from pure
thought, and pure thought comes from a good heart. That, surely, is
clear and simple.

Pure music is earnest and songful. It has meaning in every part. No
tone is without a lofty purpose. That is true music. It is classic
from the heart that is put into it.

By being faithful to our music it will do for us more than we can
dream. Do you know the inscription that used to be over the north gate
of the city of Siena, in Italy?

"Siena opens not only her gates, but her heart to you."