“Leave off driving your composers. It might prove to be as dangerous as it is generally unnecessary. After all, composing cannot be turned out like spinning or sewing. Some respected colleagues (Bach, Mozart, Schubert) have spoilt the world terribly. But… — Johannes Brahms Copy Share Image
One should never forget that by actually perfecting one piece one gains and learns more than by starting or half-finishing a dozen. — Johannes Brahms Copy Share Image
What would become of all historical biography if it was written only with consideration for other peoples' feelings? — Johannes Brahms Copy Share Image
In my study I can lay my hand on the Bible in the pitch dark. All truly inspired ideas come from God. The powers… — Johannes Brahms Copy Share Image
Reviewer: 'One of your themes was very similar to one of Beethoven's!' Brahms replied, 'Of course it is. Everyone steals - the important thing… — Johannes Brahms Copy Share Image
I sometimes ponder on variation form and it seems to me it ought to be more restrained, purer. — Johannes Brahms Copy Share Image
We cling nervously to the melody, but we don't handle it freely, we don't really make anything new out of it, we merely overload… — Johannes Brahms Copy Share Image
If there is anyone here whom I have not insulted, I beg his pardon. — Johannes Brahms Copy Share Image
Straight-away the ideas flow in upon me, directly from God, and not only do I see distinct themes in my mind's eye, but they… — Johannes Brahms Copy Share Image
It is not hard to compose, but what is fabulously hard is to leave the superfluous notes under the table. — Johannes Brahms Copy Share Image
It is not hard to compose but it is wonderfully hard to let the superfluous notes fall under the table. . . So many… — Johannes Brahms Copy Share Image
If we cannot write with the beauty of Mozart, let us at least try to write with his purity. — Johannes Brahms Copy Share Image
Never criticize the composition of a Royal Highness. You never know who may have written it. — Johannes Brahms Copy Share Image
