Alexander Borodin

“Music is a pastime, a relaxation from more serious occupations.”

“I can only compose when I am too unwell to give my lectures.”

“For me, music is a hobby, an amusement which I can only take up when I am completely at rest from my main duties.”

“You know that I am a Sunday composer.”

“My Prince Igor is essentially a national opera, which can be of interest only to us Russians.”

“In summer I will get on with Prince Igor. I am ashamed to confess it, but my opera is getting on very slowly.”

“The first symphony was composed in my student days, under the strong influence of Mendelssohn.”