"If we look at music history closely, it is not difficult to isolate certain elements of great potency which were to nourish the art of music for decades, if not centuries"

This quote by George Crumb speaks with the importance of music history and its influence on the art of music. He recommends that if we make the effort to look closely at music history, we can determine particular components that have had a long lasting influence on music. These components have actually been so powerful that they have nourished the art of music for decades, if not centuries. This speaks to the timelessness of music and its ability to transcend generations. It also speaks to the significance of studying music history in order to comprehend the evolution of music and the influences that have formed it. By studying music history, we can get a better understanding of the elements that have been so powerful that they have actually been able to nourish the art of music for so long.