Why did Max Planck choose physics instead of music or classical philology?

Max Planck excelled in all his subjects at the Gymnasium, which made his career choice at age 17 difficult. Ultimately, he chose physics over classical philology or music because he had reached the dispassionate conclusion that his greatest originality lay in the field of physics.1

While he pursued a career in science, music remained an integral part of his life. He was a talented pianist with absolute pitch who found daily serenity and delight in playing the works of composers such as Schubert and Brahms.1