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

Send light to the dark hearts of men, that is the duty the artist.

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

If, while at the piano, you attempt to form little melodies, that is very well; but if they come into your mind of themselves, when you are not practising, you may be still more pleased; for the internal organ of music is then roused in you. The fingers must do what the head desires; not the contrary.

It was an unforgettable picture to see Chopin sitting at the piano like a clairvoyant, lost in his dreams; to see how his vision communicated itself through his playing, and how, at the end of each piece, he had the sad habit of running one finger over the length of the plaintive keyboard, as though to tear himself forcibly away from his dream.

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