We mortals with immortal minds are only born for sufferings and joys, and one could almost say that the most excellent receive joy through sufferings.

What is to reach the heart must come from above; if it does not come from thence, it will be nothing but notes, body without spirit.

Artists who have won fame are often embarrassed by it; thus their first works are often their best.

Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.

In the world of art, as in the whole of creation, freedom and progress are the main objectives.

I haven't a single friend; I must live alone. But well I know that God is nearer to me than to the others of my art; I associate with Him without fear, I have always recognized and understood Him, and I have no fear for my music,-it can meet no evil fate. Those who understand it must become free from all the miseries that the others drag with them.

There ought to be only one large art warehouse in the world, to which the artist could carry his art-works and from which he could carry away whatever he needed. As it is one must be half a tradesman.