
"The Spanish violinist and composer, Pablo Sarasate lived until the age of 64 years and died in 1908. He reminded me very much of our own previous Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher who famously declared when someone dared to wish her good luck that 'luck had nothing to do with it!' Both Sarates and Thatcher were reported to exist on as little as five or six hours sleep a night. When Sarsate was in the latter part of his life and was declared 'a genius', he was equally as indignant and as dismissive as Maggie. He merely remarked in a tone of loftiness, 'A genius! For thirty-seven years I've practiced fourteen hours a day, and now they call me a genius.' I think that both knew deep down genius is nothing but labour and diligence, and that even when one possesses the skill, only practise, practise and more practise makes perfect.' " William Forde: April 30th, 2013.