Even in the works of the greatest master, the organic sequence can fail and then a skillful join must be made.

I have put my whole soul into this work [The Pathetique Symphony] . . . You cannot imagine what joy I feel at the thought that my days are not yet over and that I may still accomplish much.

To regret the past, to hope in the future, and never to be satisfied with the present: that is what I spend my whole life doing

Inspiration is a guest that does not willingly visit the lazy.

Even in the works of the greatest master, the organic sequence can fail and then a skillful join must be made.

I like the plot of The Nutcracker - not at all.

There is no doubt that even the greatest musical geniuses have sometimes worked without inspiration. This guest (inspiration) does not always respond to the first invitation. We must always work, and a self-respecting artist must not fold his hands on the pretext that he is not in the mood. If we wait for the mood, without endeavouring to meet it half-way, we easily become indolent and apathetic. We must be patient, and believe that inspiration will come to those who can master their disinclination.