To copy the truth can be a good thing, but to invent the truth is better, much better.

I adore art...when I am alone with my notes, my heart pounds and the tears stream from my eyes, and my emotion and my joys are too much to bear.

The artist must yield himself to his own inspiraton, and if he has a true talent, no one knows and feels better than he what suits him.

The artist must yield himself to his own inspiration... I should compose with utter confidence a subject that set my musical blood going, even though it were condemned by all other artists as anti-musical.

It may be a good thing to copy reality; but to invent reality is much, much better.

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

To copy the truth can be a good thing, but to invent the truth is better, much better.