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

When you play, never mind who listens to you.

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

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

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

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.

Music induces nightingales to sing, pug dogs to yelp.