To have the ability to withdraw into oneself and forget everything around one when one is creating - What, I think is the only requirement for being able to bring forth something beautiful. The whole thing is - a mystery.

I am sure my music has a taste of codfish in it.

Suddenly a mist fell from my eyes and I knew the way I had to take.

A landscape, torn by mists and clouds, in which I can see ruins of old churches, as well as of Greek temples - that is Brahms.

To have the ability to withdraw into oneself and forget everything around one when one is creating - What, I think is the only requirement for being able to bring forth something beautiful. The whole thing is - a mystery.

I have not the least doubt that school developed in me nothing but what was evil and left the good untouched.

When we are young, friends are, like everything else, a matter of course. In the old days we know what it means to have them.