To Follow In Beethoven's Footsteps

The Idea Comes To Me From Outside Of Me - And Is Like A Gift. I Then Take The Idea And Make It My Own - That Is Where The Skill Lies.

It Is Not Hard To Compose But It Is Wonderfully Hard To Let The Superfluous Notes Fall Under The Table. . . So Many Melodies Fly About, One Must Be Careful Not To Tread On Them.

Study Bach. There You Will Find Everything.

Straightaway The Ideas Flow In Upon Me, Directly From God.

For The Shallow Delights Of Matrimony And Opera I Have No Courage.