»Great music is that which penetrates the ear with facility and leaves the memory with difficulty. Magical music never leaves the memory.«

»Composers and musicians have always starved and, as this is a sentimental country, we think the tradition should be continued.«

»Most people really don’t like music; they just like the way it sounds.«

»Movie music is noise. It’s even more painful than my sciatica.«

»There are two golden rules for an orchestra: start together and finish together. The public doesn’t give a damn what goes on in between.«

»Music first and last shall sound well, should allure and enchant the ear. Never mind inner significance.«

»The function of music is release us from the tyranny of conscious thought.«

»Was noch fehlt, ist ein Staubsauger für alle Noten, die bei einem Klavierkonzert unter den Flügel fallen.«