What can be considered human emotions? Surely not only lyricism, sadness, tragedy? Doesn't laughter also have a claim to that lofty title? I want to fight for the legitimate right of laughter in "serious" music.

The majority of my symphonies are tombstones.

I don't know what will become of this piece. Our brave critics will no doubt charge me with imitating Ravel's Bolero. Too bad - this is how I hear war.

If they cut off both hands, I will compose music anyway holding the pen in my teeth.

A creative artist works on his next composition because he was not satisfied with his previous one.

I write music, it’s performed. After all, my music says it all. It doesn’t need historical and hysterical commentaries. In the long run, any words about music are less important than the music.

Our business is rejoicing, our business is rejoicing.