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.

There is a wonderful Hungarian literature, especially in lyric poetry.

I listen to all kinds of music - new music, old music, music of my colleagues, everything.

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.

I write bars, for the musicians, because they have to be together.

However, I began composing as soon as I started taking piano lessons.

Stravinsky used Mother Goose. He was influenced by Mother Goose, indirectly, but very beautifully