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

The most perfect melodic shapes are found in Mozart; he has the lightness of touch which is the true objective ... Listen to the remarkable expansion of a Mozart melody, to Cherubino's 'Voi che sapete', for instance. You think it is coming to an end, but it goes farther, even farther.

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

Must one become seventy years old to recognize that one's greatest strength lies in creating musical kitsch?

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.