It is the curse of talent that, although it labors with greater steadiness and perseverance than genius, it does not reach its goal, while genius already on the summit of the ideal, gazes laughingly about.

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

The poet sees better than other mortals. I do not see things as they are, but according to my own subjective impression, and this makes life easier and simpler.

That first concept is alway the most naturally and best. The mind errs, the emotion never.

Music owes as much to Bach as religion to its founder.

From a pound of iron, that costs little, a thousand watch-springs can be made, whose value becomes prodigious. The pound you have received from the Lord,--use it faithfully.

When you play, never mind who listens to you.