Does it not occur to people that I might be artificial by nature?
For Debussy the musician and the man I have had profound admiration, but by nature I'm different from him. I think I have always personally followed a direction opposed to that of the symbolism of Debussy.
I did my work slowly, drop by drop. I tore it out of me by pieces.
I do not ask for my music to be interpreted, but only for it to be played.
If he'd been making shell-cases during the war it might have been better for music.
The only love affair I have ever had was with music.