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

Applaud my friends, the comedy is over... [on his death bed]

There is no loftier mission than to approach the Divinity nearer than other men, and to disseminate the divine rays among mankind.

Life would be flat without music. It is the background to all I do. It speaks to the heart in its own special way like nothing else.

Never forget the days I spent with you. Continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours.

In praise of Thy goodness I must confess that Thou didst try with all Thy means to draw me to Thee. Sometimes it pleased Thee to let me feel the heavy hand of Thy displeasure and to humiliate my proud heart by manifold castigations. Sickness and misfortune didst Thou send upon me to turn my thoughts to my errantries.-One thing, only, O Father, do I ask: cease not to labor for my betterment. In whatsoever manner it be, let me turn to Thee and become fruitful in good works.

Music is the wine which inspires one to new generative processes, and I am Bacchus who presses out this glorious wine for mankind and makes them spiritually drunken.