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

It is not hard to compose, but what is fabulously hard is to leave the superfluous notes under the table.

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.

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

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

If we cannot write with the beauty of Mozart, let us at least try to write with his purity.

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