My music is best understood by children and animals.

Conductors' careers are made for the most part with 'Romantic' music. 'Classic' music eliminates the conductor; we do not remember him in it.

The trouble with music appreciation in general is that people are taught to have too much respect for music they should be taught to love it instead.

Invention presupposes imagination but should not be confused with it.

I was born out of due time in the sense that by temperament and talent I should have been more suited for the life of a small Bach, living in anonymity and composing regularly for an established service and for God.

A composer is not only an architect but also an inventor, and he should not build houses in which he cannot live.