Composers should write tunes that chauffeurs and errand boys can whistle.

Sir Thomas Beecham

People compose for many reasons: to become immortal; because the pianoforte happens to be open; because they want to become a millionaire; because of the praise of friends; because they have looked into a pair of beautiful eyes; for no reason whatsoever.

Robert A. Schumann

Composers are doers of deeds.

Roger Sessions

I don't like composers who think. It gets in the way of their plagiarism.

Howard Dietz

The statues of archdukes or composers presided with pensive nonchalance.

Patrick Leigh Fermor

Now, very few composers write for themselves.

Jennifer Higdon