piece quotes

If everything is caused by innumerable'factors,'then we had best be very careful in any practical actions we undertake. We must deal with many details, and so it is advisable to proceed to reform this little piece and see what happens, before we reform that little piece too. 574

- C(harles) Wright Mills
  The Sociological Imagination, ch.4.

Before I compose a piece, I walk round it several times, accompanied by myself.

- Erik Alfred Leslie Satie
Quoted in Bulletin des e  ditions musicales (1913).

When a piece gets difficult make faces.

- Artur Schnabel
Quoted in Oscar Levant TheUnimportance of BeingOscar (1968).

Well, maybe like Casy says, a fellowain't got a soul of his own, but on'ya piece of a big onean then† Then it don'matter. Then I'll be all aroun' in the dark. I'll be everywherewherever you look.Wherever they's a fight so hungry people can eat, I'll be there.Wherever they's a cop beatin'up aguy,I'll bethere.If Casyknowed, why,I'll be inthewayguysyell whenthey'remad an'I'll be in the way kids laugh when they're hungry an'they know supper's ready. An' when our folks eat the stuff they raise an' live in the houses they buildwhy, I'll be there. See?

-John Ernest Steinbeck
  The Grapes ofWrath, ch.28.