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

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.

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

To follow in Beethoven's footsteps transcends one's strength.

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

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

Ah, that tastes nice. Thank you.