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.

Tones sound, and roar and storm about me until I have set them down in notes.

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

He who understand my music will remain free from the miseries that the other men are dragging with them .

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

I carry my thoughts about me for a long time, often a very long time, before I write them down; meanwhile my memory is so faithful that I am sure never to forget, not even in years, a theme that has once occurred to me.

Don't only practise your art, but force your way into its secrets.