Composing gives me great pleasure... there is nothing that surpasses the joy of creation, if only because through it one wins hours of self-forgetfulness, when one lives in a world of sound.

The tea is ice-cold, the room grows colder and colder, but I grow warmer and warmer.

I wish to lead a life free from care, and I see that I shall be unhappy if I cannot always work at my art.

I cannot be so bad when everybody is so fond of me.

I do not want horses or diamonds - I am happy in possessing you.

My imagination can picture no fairer happiness than to continue living for art.

If I have known much trouble in my youth, I have also known much joy.