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.

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.

Don’t judge anything. If you have to judge, judge with kindness and love.

A sad soul needs an infinite horizon which can throw all his sorrow into the silence of the eternal emptiness!

His father had been in the military and so had his grandfather. It was a natural fit when Ronan and his brothers each donned a uniform of some kind.

Some are reputed sick and some are not. It often happens that the sicker man is the nurse to the sounder.

I do consider myself to be a feminist.

If I could make crazy money just doing stand-up, that's what I would do.

Some people read so little they have rickets of the mind.

If you can't be thankful for what you have, be thankful for what you have escaped.

I'm building on purpose. I'm building that tipping point. I'm building that law of diffusion of innovation.

I feel my life has more meaning because I am responsible for another life, although I don't have control over what Lucian - my son - is going to do. He's definitely going to carve his own way.