Ah, that tastes nice. Thank you.

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.

It is not hard to compose but it is wonderfully hard to let the superfluous notes fall under the table. . . So many melodies fly about, one must be careful not to tread on them.

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

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.