Thus it is ever in life. The aims we once pursued no longer satisfy us; we aim, we strive, we aspire, until sight fails, and mind and body find rest in the grave.

Confidence and courage are special skills to the art ... Within the four walls of his study, the artist should be modest, work diligently and conscientiously. While for the public, he'll show himself audacious, yes even into cheerful boldness. And so a new public's darling has arisen.

Think it a vile habit to alter works of good composers, to omit parts of them, or to insert new-fashioned ornaments. This is the greatest insult you can offer to Art.

For me, music is always the language which permits one to converse with the Beyond.

I am so fresh in soul and spirit that life gushes and bubbles around me in a thousand springs.

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

For me Wagner is impossible... he talks without ever stopping. One can't just talk all the time.