Bach is an astronomer, discovering the most marvellous stars. Beethoven challenges the universe. I only try to express the soul and the heart of man.

I don't know where there can be so many pianists as in Paris, so many asses and so many virtuosi.

I don't know how it is, but the Germans are amazed at me and I am amazed at them for finding anything to be amazed about.

To be a great composer requires immense experience... One acquires this by listening not only to other men's work, but above all to one's own!

The earth is suffocating... Swear to make them cut me open, so that I won't be buried alive.

All the same it is being said everywhere that I played too softly, or rather, too delicately for people used to the piano-pounding of the artists here.

Time is the best of critics; and patience the best of teachers.