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.

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.

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

In Bach, Beethoven and Wagner we admire principally the depth and energy of the human mind; in Mozart, the divine instinct.

Artists like Bach and Beethoven erected churches and temples on the heights. I only wantedto build dwellings for men in which they might feel happy and at home

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