Nine Beatitudes for Violonists by Arthur Hartmann

‘Blessed are they who early in life approach Bach, for their love and veneration for music will multiply with the years.

Blessed are they who remember their own early struggles, for their merciful criticism will help others to a greater achievement and furtherance of Divine Art.

Blessed are they who know their own limitations, for they shall have joy in the accomplishment of others.

Blessed are they who revere the teachers – their own or those of others – and who remember them with credit.

Blessed are they who, revering the old masters, seek out the newer ones and do not begrudge them a hearing or two.

Blessed are they who work in obscurity, nor sound the trumpet, for Art has ever been for the few, and shuns the vulgar blare of ignorance.

Blessed are they whom men revile as futurists and modernists, for Art can evolve only through the medium of iconoclastic spirits.

Blessed are they who unflinchingly serve their Art, for thus only is their happiness to be gained.

Blessed are they who have many enemies, for square pegs will never fit into round holes’.