Music's exclusive function is to structure the flow of time and keep order in it.

The real composer thinks about his work the whole time; he is not always conscious of this, but he is aware of it later when he suddenly knows what he will do.

The profound meaning of music's essential aim... is to produce a communion, a union of man with his fellow man with the Supreme Being

I remember being handed a score composed by Mozart at the age of eleven. What could I say? I felt like de Kooning, who was asked to comment on a certain abstract painting, and answered in the negative. He was then told it was the work of a celebrated monkey. 'That's different. For a monkey, it's terrific'.

I cannot now evaluate the events that, at the end of those thirty years, made me discover the necessity of religious belief. I was not reasoned into my disposition. Though I admire the structured thought of theology, it is to religion no more than counterpoint exercises are to music.

The trouble with music appreciation in general is that people are taught to have too much respect for music they should be taught to love it instead.

The true creator may be recognized by his ability always to find about him, in the commonest and humblest thing, items worthy of note.