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

We cling nervously to the melody, but we don't handle it freely, we don't really make anything new out of it, we merely overload it.

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

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

A symphony is no joke.

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.