"For a solo work I need a definite idea. For the present I have none"

Alfred Schnittke's quote talks to the significance of having a clear concept when starting a solo work. It suggests that without a guaranteed concept, it is challenging to create an effective solo work. This is most likely since having a clear concept offers a sense of direction and purpose to the work. Without a guaranteed concept, it is challenging to know what the work ought to have to do with and how it must be structured. Schnittke's quote likewise implies that he is presently in the process of producing a solo work, however he does not yet have a definite idea. This could be since he is still in the process of brainstorming and exploring different ideas, or since he has yet to find an idea that resonates with him. In either case, Schnittke's quote works as a tip of the significance of having a clear idea when producing a solo work.