What the hell do you want to work for somebody else for? Work for yourself!

All these tales of people sitting down and composing symphonies just as though they were writing a letter are very much exaggerated; at least, it isn't that way in my work.

Originality is the only thing that counts. But the originator uses material and ideas that occur round him and pass through him. And out of his experience comes the original creation.

All great composers of the past spent most of their time studying. Feeling alone won't do the job. A man also needs technique.

The extraordinary thing about my mother, she's so modest about me.

When I'm in my normal mood, music drips from my fingers.

Why should I limit myself to only one woman when I can have as many women as I want?