Inspiration is a guest that does not willingly visit the lazy.

I like the plot of The Nutcracker - not at all.

Even in the works of the greatest master, the organic sequence can fail and then a skillful join must be made.

The creative process is like music which takes root with extraordinary force and rapidity

Madam, you ask me how I compose. I compose sitting down.

Mozart is the highest, the culminating point that beauty has attained in the sphere of music.

Only music clarifies, reconciles, and consoles. But it is not a straw just barely clutched at. It is a faithful friend, protector, and comforter, and for its sake alone, life in this world is worth living. Who knows, perhaps in heaven there will be no music. So let us live on the earth while we still have life!