Composers in the old days used to keep strictly to the base of the theme, as their real subject. Beethoven varies the melody, harmony and rhythms so beautifully.

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.

Congratulations, Mousey, you’ve managed to insult every marsupial in the country in just under three kilometers.

Al Unser Sr. was one of the smartest drivers I've ever raced against. And I often said, I wish I could've had some of his patience. I know it would have worked for me many times.

Mundies die awfully easily, don't they?" "Isabelle, you know it's bad luck to talk about death in a sickroom.

If I could have a superpower, I would choose the ability to make people's heart stop, if I just point at them.

By the grace of God, I'll be that man.

Who's started has half finished.

Baby I'm so into you I can hardly breathe.

I believe that every artist, in one way or another, is a wounded person. It's not natural to make art.

A generous friend gives life for a friend let's rise above this animalistic behavior and be kind to one another

My two favorite movies are 'Coming to America' and 'Boomerang'.