Because one has little fear of shocking vanity in Italy, people adopt an intimate tone very quickly and discuss personal things.

The first characteristic of Rossini's music is speed - a speed which removes from the soul all the sombre emotions that are so powerfully evoked within us by the slow strains in Mozart. I find also in Rossini a cool freshness, which, measure by measure, makes us smile with delight.

I think no woman I have had ever gave me so sweet a moment, or at so light a price, as the moment I owe to a newly heard musical phrase.

The idea which tyrants find most useful is the idea of God.

I am mad, I am going under, I must follow the advice of a friend, and pay no heed to myself.

Pleasure is often spoiled by describing it.

When intimacy followed love in Italy there were no longer any vain pretensions between two lovers.