Nature best teaches how to pray, and how to reverence all the gifts the Almighty has given us. She is like a vast outspread handkerchief, embroidered with God's eternal name, on which we may dry alike our tears of sorrow and of joy; she turns weeping into ecstasy, and fills our hearts with speechless, quiet reverence and resignation.

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

"We liked it" or "I didn't like it" people say. As if it were nothing higher than to please the people!

The flame that is naturally clear always gives the most light and heat. If I could blend my talent for poetry and music into one, the light would burn still clearer, and I might go far.

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

In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of.

When you play, never mind who listens to you.