Nothing is more beautiful than the sound of the guitar.

Sometimes I can only groan, and suffer, and pour out my despair at the piano.

When one does a thing, it appears good, otherwise one would not write it. Only later comes reflection, and one discards or accepts the thing. Time is the best censor, and patience a most excellent teacher.

I don't know how it is, but the Germans are amazed at me and I am amazed at them for finding anything to be amazed about.

To be a great composer requires immense experience... One acquires this by listening not only to other men's work, but above all to one's own!

A long time ago I decided that my universe will be the soul and heart of man.

Bach is like an astronomer who, with the help of ciphers, finds the most wonderful stars.