For the shallow delights of matrimony and opera I have no courage.

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.

Actions are most important in life: act with love, kindness, understanding, and compassion toward others that they may bear witness to your belief(s).

When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.

Arrogant people beat each other.

I read the NY Times but I don't trust all of it.

The fan base that I've had all these years has come along. Some of them are not as plugged into the digital world, so they want to go out and buy the CD at Walmart or something.

People who think they know usually stopped thinking long ago.

Europe will not accept genetically modified foods. It doesn't make any difference in the final analysis what Brussels does, what Washington does, or what the World Trade Organization does.

I don't really have many hobbies but one of my favorite things to do is spend time with my family. We have fun together, and building those relationships is very important to me.

Yoga may look peaceful and calming, but even Arnold Schwarzenegger would have trouble breathing after twenty surya namaskars in a row.

To be forgotten is not something horrible; not to be remembered ever again is something horrible!