Without enthusiasm nothing great can be effected in art.

We may be sure that a genius like Mozart, were he born today, would write concertos like Chopin and not like Mozart.

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

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.

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.

Thus it is ever in life. The aims we once pursued no longer satisfy us; we aim, we strive, we aspire, until sight fails, and mind and body find rest in the grave.

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