It is my belief one should not belittle the artist; while, however glorious his fame may seem, his time on Mount Olympus as an honourable guest of Zeus is short. It's a pity, but all too eager will the common folk drag him from this etherial heights to the low and trodden earth.

It is the power of music to carry one directly into the mental state of the composer.

I alter some things, eliminate and try again until I am satisfied. Then begins the mental working out of this material in its breadth, its narrowness, its height and depth.

Rossini would have been a great composer if his teacher had spanked him enough on his backside.

I have always reckoned myself among the greatest admirers of Mozart, and shall do so till the day of my death.

I know no other sign of superiority than Goodness.

Handel is the greatest composer that ever lived... I would uncover my head and kneel down on his tomb.