Of all composers, past and present, I am the least learned. I mean that in all seriousness, and by learning I do not mean knowledge of music.

You may have the universe if I may have Italy.

Oh blessed a thousand times the peasant who is born, eats and dies without anybody bothering about his affairs.

It is better to invert reality than to copy it.

Oh, you happy sons of the North who have been reared at the bosom of Bach, how I envy you!

I have striven for perfection, it has always eluded me, but I surely had an obligation to make one more try.

Stupid criticism and still more stupid praise.