There are situations where directors give composers directives just to give them directives Just to show 'who's boss in this room.'

To be a good boss, you have to prepare yourself to be accountable for the things you do and say, that's a big responsibility.

Too many composers become involved in intellectual speculation which seems to matter more to them than the sound that comes out of all this speculation.

Composers should write tunes that chauffeurs and errand boys can whistle.

People compose for many reasons: to become immortal; because the pianoforte happens to be open; because they want to become a millionaire; because of the praise of friends; because they have looked into a pair of beautiful eyes; for no reason whatsoever.

The statues of archdukes or composers presided with pensive nonchalance.