Never let oneself be guided by the opinion of one's contemporaries. Continue steadfastly on one's way.

To judge a composer's work, one must consider it as a whole.

When I have reached a summit, I leave it with great reluctance, unless it is to reach for another, higher one.

I don't choose what I compose. It chooses me.

Beauty and fullness of tone can be achieved by having the whole orchestra play with high clarinets and a carefully selected number of piccolos.

In the theatrical works we love and admire the most, the ending of the drama generally takes place offstage.

Behind me the branches of a wasted and sterile existence are cracking.