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?

You believe happiness to be derived from the place in which once you have been happy, but in truth it is centered in ourselves.

Approval or blame will follow in the world to come.

Who can do anything after Beethoven?

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

I try to decorate my imagination as much as I can.

Above all things, I must not get angry. If I do get angry I knock all the teeth out of the mouth of the poor wretch who has angered me.