Without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind.

- Johannes Brahms

It is a real pleasure to see music so bright and spontaneous expressed with corresponding ease and grace.

- Johannes Brahms

Study Bach. There you will find everything.

- Johannes Brahms

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.

- Johannes Brahms

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 …

- Johannes Brahms

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

- Johannes Brahms

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 c…

- Johannes Brahms

It is not hard to compose, but what is fabulously hard is to leave the superfluous notes under the table.

- Johannes Brahms

If we cannot write with the beauty of Mozart, let us at least try to write with his purity.

- Johannes Brahms