In my study I can lay my hand on the Bible in the pitch dark. All truly inspired ideas come from God. The powers from which all truly great composers like Mozart, Schubert, Bach and Beethoven drew their inspirations is the same power that enabled Jesus to do his miracles.

Never criticize the composition of a Royal Highness. You never know who may have written it.

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.

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

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

My things really are written with an appalling lack of practicality!

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.