I sometimes ponder on variation form and it seems to me it ought to be more restrained, purer.

In my study I can lay my hand on the Bible in the pitch dark. All truly inspired ideas come from God. The powers from which all truly great composers like Mozart, Schubert, Bach and Beethoven drew their inspirations is the same power that enabled Jesus to do his miracles.

It is not hard to compose but it is wonderfully hard to let the superfluous notes fall under the table. . . So many melodies fly about, one must be careful not to tread on them.

My things really are written with an appalling lack of practicality!

Never criticize the composition of a Royal Highness. You never know who may have written it.

I sometimes ponder on variation form and it seems to me it ought to be more restrained, purer.

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.