I would wake up in Moscow or somewhere else, my heart beating fast, feeling bitter and helpless.

Our family lived in Vienna, Austria. after the war and apart from an accordion, there was no other musical instrument available.

I am not facing the problem of emigration. I want my music to be acknowledged here first of all, in this country: after that, we shall see - perhaps the question will than become urgent.

For almost thirty years I repeatedly saw one and the same dream: I would arrive in Vienna at long last. I would feel really happy, for I was returning to my serene childhood.

For a solo work I need a definite idea. For the present I have none.

Do you know that my very first experience as a composer was a 'Concerto for Accordion?'