I sometimes ponder on variation form and it seems to me it ought to be more restrained, purer.

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.

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

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

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.

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