Study Bach. There you will find everything.

Those are miracles that no merely human brain can work. The artist is merely the sound conduct of a Force that dictates to him what he should do.

It is not hard to compose, but what is fabulously hard is to leave the superfluous notes under the table.

What would become of all historical biography if it was written only with consideration for other peoples' feelings?

One should never forget that by actually perfecting one piece one gains and learns more than by starting or half-finishing a dozen.

Composers in the old days used to keep strictly to the base of the theme, as their real subject. Beethoven varies the melody, harmony and rhythms so beautifully.

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.