Johannes Brahms
Quotations

"It is not hard to compose, but it is wonderfully hard to let the superfluous notes fall under the table. "

 

"One can't judge Wagner's opera 'Lohengrin' after a first hearing, and I certainly don't intend hearing it a second time."

 

"My things really are written with an appalling lack of practicality!"

 

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