Musical ideas sprang to my mind like a flight of butterflies, and all I had to do was to stretch out my hand to catch them

If all the music written since Bach's time should be lost, it could be reconstructed on the foundation which Bach laid.

Mozart, prodigal heaven gave thee everything, grace and strength, abundance and moderation, perfect equilibrium.

Bach is a colossus of Rhodes, beneath whom all musicians pass and will continue to pass. Mozart is the most beautiful, Rossini the most brilliant, but Bach is the most comprehensive: he has said all there is to say.

Musical ideas sprang to my mind like a flight of butterflies, and all I had to do was to stretch out my hand to catch them

My opinion changes rapidly - one minute I can think it is very good and the next time I look at it, I see all the flaws and weaknesses therein.

Before Mozart, all ambition turns to despair.