I may not be a first-rate composer, but I am a first-class second-rate composer.

I shall never be converted, and I shall remain true to my old religion of the classics until my life's end.

Never look at the trombones, you'll just encourage them.

The human voice is the most beautiful instrument of all, but the most difficult to play.

I want to be able to depict in music a glass of beer so accurately that every listener can tell whether it is a Pilsner or a Kulmbacher.

I may not be a first-rate composer, but I am a first-class second-rate composer.

If you think that the brass is not blowing loud enough, mute it by a couple of degrees.