"I was not influenced by composers as much as by natural objects and physical phenomena"

Edgard Varese, a notable twentieth-century composer, once expressed a rather intriguing perspective towards sources of creativity and inspiration. Though one might assume that like many artists, Varese was primarily inspired by the works of his contemporaries or predecessors. However, his statement asserts exactly the opposite. Instead, he emphasizes his fascination and deep connection with the subtleties found in nature and the physical world as his main drivers of creativity.

Varese's focus on 'natural objects and physical phenomena' profoundly influenced and shaped his work, steering him away from the traditional norms and guidelines that dominated the music industry. Such an outlook allowed him to explore and cherish the chaotic randomness and the harmonious symphony that nature inherently possesses. From the rustling of leaves to the cascading of a waterfall, Varese found music in the simplest occurrences in his surroundings.

This unconventional perspective endows his compositions with a unique sensory appeal that transcended the prevalent trends. While other composers took cues from the established music scales and notations, Varese dabbled in the raw sonic experiences emanating from nature. His musical ideas stemmed from the sounds of the crashing waves, the gusting winds, the drizzling rains, and even the bustle of city life.

Varese's preference for the physical phenomena over the influences of his fellow composers also suggests a form of rebellion. As an avant-garde composer, he was known for challenging the status quo. The traditions and existing formats in music may have felt restrictive to his creative soul. His inclination towards the natural and physical world could very well have been a form of escape from the constraints of conventional music.

There is also an element of universality in Varese's approach. Nature, after all, is a shared experience that transcends cultural, linguistic, and geographical borders. The sounds that inspire him are the sounds that humankind has been attuned to since the dawn of time.

In essence, Varese's statement speaks volumes about his approach to composing music. His commitment to finding inspiration in the natural world sets him apart in the annals of music history. It gives us an insight into the mind of an artist who found his muse in the rhythms of the universe rather than the works of other composers.