Endeavour to play easy pieces well and with elegance; that is better than to play difficult pieces badly.

In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of.

You should neither play bad compositions, nor, unless compelled, listen to them.

Nature best teaches how to pray, and how to reverence all the gifts the Almighty has given us. She is like a vast outspread handkerchief, embroidered with God's eternal name, on which we may dry alike our tears of sorrow and of joy; she turns weeping into ecstasy, and fills our hearts with speechless, quiet reverence and resignation.

You write to become immortal, or because the piano happens to be open, or you've looked into a pair of beautiful eyes.

People compose for many reasons, to become immortal; because the piano happens to be open; because they want to become a millionaire; because of the praise of friends; because they have looked into a pair of beautiful eyes; or for no reason whatsoever.

I feel so entirely in my element with a full orchestra; even if my mortal enemies were marshalled before me, I could lead them, master them, surround them, or repulse them.