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.

Study Bach. There you will find everything.

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

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

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.

If there is anyone here whom I have not insulted, I beg his pardon.