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 know already the music I will write. But the words? I have not yet decided.

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

But if you go from Moscow to Budapest you think you are in Paris.

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

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

Once, in London, the BBC asked me what was my favorite English book. I said Alice in Wonderland