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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Those who enjoy their own emotionally bad health and who habitually fill their own minds with the rank poisons of suspicion, jealousy and hatred, as a rule take umbrage at those who refuse to do likewise, and they find a perverted relief in trying to denigrate them.