To follow in Beethoven's footsteps transcends one's strength.

Without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind.

One should never forget that by actually perfecting one piece one gains and learns more than by starting or half-finishing a dozen.

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.

Study Bach. There you will find everything.

If there is anyone here whom I have not insulted, I beg his pardon.

Reviewer: 'One of your themes was very similar to one of Beethoven's!' Brahms replied, 'Of course it is. Everyone steals - the important thing is to do it brilliantly.

It is a real pleasure to see music so bright and spontaneous expressed with corresponding ease and grace.

It is not hard to compose, but what is fabulously hard is to leave the superfluous notes under the table.

If we cannot write with the beauty of Mozart, let us at least try to write with his purity.

The only true immortality lies in one's children.

a daughter shouldnot have to beg her fatherfor a relationship

Laugh whenever you can. Keeps you from killing yourself when things are bad. That and vodka.

I know that if odour were visible, as colour is, I'd see the summer garden in rainbow clouds.

The concentration camp is the final expression of human separateness and its ultimate consequence. It is organized abandonment.

If you say someone is thrilled, it implies talk of an exciting project. I'm wary of such talk.

There are only two kinds of religion in the world...They all say, "Do, do, do." Only Christianity says, "Done." Christ has done it all.

One of my main goals is to become a sports broadcaster. That is the ultimate for me.

I worked with Roger Moore on three episodes of The Saint. He is a lovely man, a good director, and was my favourite actor to work with.

Act now. There is never any time but now, and there never will be any time but now.

But any man who walks in the way of power and property is bound to meet hate.