Straight-away the ideas flow in upon me, directly from God, and not only do I see distinct themes in my mind's eye, but they are clothed in the right forms, harmonies, and orchestration.

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

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

We cling nervously to the melody, but we don't handle it freely, we don't really make anything new out of it, we merely overload it.

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.

The only true immortality lies in one's children.

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