A symphony is no joke.

Composers in the old days used to keep strictly to the base of the theme, as their real subject. Beethoven varies the melody, harmony and rhythms so beautifully.

For the shallow delights of matrimony and opera I have no courage.

Those are miracles that no merely human brain can work. The artist is merely the sound conduct of a Force that dictates to him what he should do.

What would become of all historical biography if it was written only with consideration for other peoples' feelings?

A symphony is no joke.

One should never forget that by actually perfecting one piece one gains and learns more than by starting or half-finishing a dozen.