Nothing right can be accomplished in art without enthusiasm.

My symphonies would have reached Opus 100 if I had but written them down... Sometimes I am so full of music, and so overflowing with melody, that I find it simply impossible to write down anything.

The flame that is naturally clear always gives the most light and heat. If I could blend my talent for poetry and music into one, the light would burn still clearer, and I might go far.

We may be sure that a genius like Mozart, were he born today, would write concertos like Chopin and not like Mozart.

When you play, do not trouble yourself as to who is listening. Yet always play as though a master listened to you.

A fiery, good beginner always stands higher than a master in mediocrity.

Let your intimate friends be chosen from such as are better informed than yourself.