Johannes Brahms

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

I sometimes ponder on variation form and it seems to me it ought to be more restrained, purer.

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.

I had been attempting novels since I was 14 but always ran out of steam. High hopes, poor craftsmanship.

I think a lot of songwriters would agree that it's often easier to find inspiration in misery.

To jump and break the sound barrier will not be a mere record breaking experience or another extreme event that ends once the mission is accomplished.