Igor Stravinsky

I am in the present. I cannot know what tomorrow will bring forth. I can
know only what the truth read more

I am in the present. I cannot know what tomorrow will bring forth. I can
know only what the truth is for me today. That is what I am called upon to
serve, and I serve it in all lucidity.

I remember being handed a score composed by Mozart at the age of eleven. What could I say? I felt read more

I remember being handed a score composed by Mozart at the age of eleven. What could I say? I felt like de Kooning, who was asked to comment on a certain abstract painting, and answered in the negative. He was then told it was the work of a celebrated monkey. 'That's different. For a monkey, it's terrific.'

A good composer does not imitate; he steals.

A good composer does not imitate; he steals.

Just as appetite comes from eating, so work brings inspiration, if inspiration is not discernible at the beginning

Just as appetite comes from eating, so work brings inspiration, if inspiration is not discernible at the beginning

Commemoration of Johann Sebastian Bach, musician, 1750 The Church knew what the Psalmist knew: music praises God. Music read more

Commemoration of Johann Sebastian Bach, musician, 1750 The Church knew what the Psalmist knew: music praises God. Music is as well, or better, able to praise Him than the building of a church and all its decoration; it is the Church's greatest ornament.