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

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

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!

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.

If there is anyone here whom I have not insulted, I beg his pardon.