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

My heart pounds sickeningly and I turn pale... I often feel as if I were dead... I seem to be losing my mind.

You will be most readily cured of vanity or presumption by studying the history of music, and by hearing the master pieces which have been produced at different periods.

Music induces nightingales to sing, pug dogs to yelp.

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

We have learned to express the more delicate nuances of feeling by penetrating more deeply into the mysteries of harmony.

Talent works, genius creates.