Mendelssohn I consider the first musician of the day; I doff my hat to him as my superior. He plays with everything, especially with the grouping of the instruments in the orchestra, but with such ease, delicacy and art, with such mastery throughout.

The principal mark of genius is not perfection, but originality.

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

I am so fresh in soul and spirit that life gushes and bubbles around me in a thousand springs.

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

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.

If we were all determined to play the first violin we should never have an ensemble. therefore, respect every musician in his proper place.