A symphony is no joke.

The only true immortality lies in one's children.

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

In him converge all previous streams of tendency, not as into a pool, stagnant, passive, motionless, but as a noble river that received its tributary waters and bearss them onward in larger and statelier volume.

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

The idea comes to me from outside of me - and is like a gift. I then take the idea and make it my own - that is where the skill lies.

It is a real pleasure to see music so bright and spontaneous expressed with corresponding ease and grace.