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.

Without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind.

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.

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.

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

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.

How lucky is the man who, like Mozart and others, goes to the tavern of an evening and writes some fresh music. For he lives while he is creating.