Being the result of lectures held by the author in America, this book keeps the promise made in the title: to show the composer in his world, portray him in his workshop and describe the disputes he has to overcome with himself, with the idea, the 'material', the fashion, the audience. Hindemith examines the conditions under which it is possible for an artist to do creative work.A new music theory is emerging, developing out of elementary components in a generally comprehensible and clear way while discussing in particular the technical side of composing. In this juxtaposition of creative artist and environment, the severe and critical statements on prevailing conditions result from the high sense of responsibility which, in Hindemith's opinion, has to define the path of the musician.