The melody is generally what the piece is all about.

Inspiration may be a form of superconsciousness, or perhaps of subconsciousness - I wouldn't know. But I am sure it is the antithesis of self-consciousness.

This whole problem can be stated quite simply by asking, “Is there a meaning to music?” My answer to that would be, “Yes.” And “Can you state in so many words what the meaning is?” My answer to that would be, “No.”

If a literary man puts together two words about music, one of them will be wrong.

Mozart tapped the source from which all music flows, expressing himself with a spontaneity and refinement and breathtaking rightness.

The main thing is to be satisfied with your work yourself. It's useless to have an audience happy if you are not happy.

To stop the flow of music would be like the stopping of time itself, incredible and inconceivable.