I once believed that I possessed creative talent, but I have given up this idea; a woman must not desire to compose — there has never yet been one able to do it. Should I expect to be the one?

There is nothing greater than the joy of composing something oneself and then listening to it.

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.

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.

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

Is an artist much more than a beggar?