The idea comes to me from outside of me - and is like a gift. I then take the idea and make it my own - that is where the skill lies.

How lucky is the man who, like Mozart and others, goes to the tavern of an evening and writes some fresh music. For he lives while he is creating.

For the shallow delights of matrimony and opera I have no courage.

If there is anyone here whom I have not insulted, I beg his pardon.

The idea comes to me from outside of me - and is like a gift. I then take the idea and make it my own - that is where the skill lies.

Study Bach. There you will find everything.

Straightaway the ideas flow in upon me, directly from God.