The Bible as Music: Brahms: "'I know several young composers who are atheists. I have read their scores, and I assure you Joseph [Joachim], that they are doomed to speedy oblivion, because they are utterly lacking in inspiration. Their works are purely cerebral. The great Nazarene knew that law also, and He proclaimed in John 15:4, 'The branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine.' No atheist has ever been or ever will be a great composer.'
-- Brahms, as quoted by Arthur M. Abell in his book, Talks with Great Composers"