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

Straight-away the ideas flow in upon me, directly from God, and not only do I see distinct themes in my mind's eye, but they are clothed in the right forms, harmonies, and orchestration.

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.

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.

A symphony is no joke.

Study Bach. There you will find everything.