What you have in your head, put down on paper. The head is a fragile vessel.

A great piece of music is beautiful regardless of how it is performed.

The majority of my symphonies are tombstones.

Real music is always revolutionary, for it cements the ranks of the people; it arouses them and leads them onward.

I write music, it’s performed. After all, my music says it all. It doesn’t need historical and hysterical commentaries. In the long run, any words about music are less important than the music.

If they cut off both hands, I will compose music anyway holding the pen in my teeth.

I always try to make myself as widely understood as possible; and if I don't succeed, I consider it my own fault.