Our castle is not imposing, but is well built, and surrounded by a very fine garden. I live in the bailiff's house.

I am in the world only for the purpose of composing.

The world resembles a stage on which every man is playing a part.

There are eight girls in the house in which I am living, and practically all of them are good looking. You can realize that I am kept busy.

Why should the composer be more guilty than the poet who warms to fantasy by a strange flame, making an idea that inspires him the subject of his own very different treatment?

Anyone who loves music can never be quite unhappy.

I am composing like a god, as if it simply had to be done as it has been done.