Confidence and courage are special skills to the art ... Within the four walls of his study, the artist should be modest, work diligently and conscientiously. While for the public, he'll show himself audacious, yes even into cheerful boldness. And so a new public's darling has arisen.

People compose for many reasons, to become immortal; because the piano happens to be open; because they want to become a millionaire; because of the praise of friends; because they have looked into a pair of beautiful eyes; or for no reason whatsoever.

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.

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.

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