The more constraints one imposes, the more one frees one's self. And the arbitrariness of the constraint serves only to obtain precision of execution.
Igor Stravinsky

The principle of the endless melody is the perpetual becoming of a music that never had any reason for starting, any more than it has any reason for ending.
Igor Stravinsky

The real composer thinks about his work the whole time; he is not always conscious of this, but he is aware of it later when he suddenly knows what he will do.
Igor Stravinsky

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.
Igor Stravinsky

To listen is an effort, and just to hear is no merit. A duck hears also.
Igor Stravinsky

Too many pieces of music finish too long after the end.
Igor Stravinsky

What force is more potent than love?
Igor Stravinsky

What gives the artist real prestige is his imitators.
Igor Stravinsky

Why is it that whenever I hear a piece of music I don't like, it's always by Villa-Lobos?
Igor Stravinsky