It is always the same with me; only when I experience something do I compose, and only when composing do I experience! After all, a musician's nature can hardly be expressed in words.

Tradition is laziness.

In the theatrical works we love and admire the most, the ending of the drama generally takes place offstage.

A full cup of wine at the right time is worth more than all the kingdoms of this earth!

A symphony must be like the world. It must contain everything.

What is best in music is not to be found in the notes.

All that is not perfect down to the smallest detail is doomed to perish.