I was fifteen years old, and I hardly knew how to play a simple Bach prelude on the piano when I began to compose music, and at the most advanced level. I had never studied such things as harmony.

For the past ten years I have had no financial problems.

It isn't false modesty when I say this, but although I am supposed to be a famous person it doesn't mean anything to me. I just sit at home and work.

There was a very famous musician in our family. He was a great violinist, an internationally known teacher. He was Leopold Auer.

I was fifteen years old, and I hardly knew how to play a simple Bach prelude on the piano when I began to compose music, and at the most advanced level. I had never studied such things as harmony.

In January 1944 I was called up by the Forced Labor Service, but I deserted on October 10, 1944.

I think a composer is always interested in his last work.