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.

Straightaway the ideas flow in upon me, directly from God.

How lucky is the man who, like Mozart and others, goes to the tavern of an evening and writes some fresh music. For he lives while he is creating.

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

The fact that most people do not understand and respect the very best things, such as Mozart's concertos, is what permits men like us to become famous.

Without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind.

It is not hard to compose but it is wonderfully hard to let the superfluous notes fall under the table. . . So many melodies fly about, one must be careful not to tread on them.