Music is the sole domain in which man realizes the present.

Music must be listened to; it is not enough to hear it. A duck hears also.

When I discovered that I had been made custodian of this gift, in my earliest childhood, I pledged myself to God to be worthy of it, but I have received uncovenanted mercies all my life. The custodian has too often kept faith on his all-too-worldly terms.

Just as appetite comes by eating, so work brings inspiration, if inspiration is not discernible at the beginning.

I was born out of due time in the sense that by temperament and talent I should have been more suited for the life of a small Bach, living in anonymity and composing regularly for an established service and for God.

Revolution means turning the wheel.

Music is the sole domain in which man realizes the present.