To compose is to remember music that has never been written.

My whole life has been a twenty years struggle between poetry and prose, or, if you like to call it so, Music and Law.

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.

Without enthusiasm nothing great can be effected in art.

To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist.

We shouldn't repeat the same for ages on end, but look into the new as well.