It is when I am, as it were, completely myself, entirely alone, and of good cheer.....that ideas flow best and most abundantly. Whence and how they come, I know not, nor can I force them.

A bachelor, in my opinion, is only half alive.

True perfection in all things is no longer known or prized - you must write music that is either so simple a coachman could sing it, or so unintelligble that audiences like it simply because no sane person could understand it.

My dear sister! I’m amazed to discover that you can compose so delightfully. In a word, your Lied is beautiful. You must compose more often.

The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.

Melody is the essence of music. I compare a good melodist to a fine racer, and counterpoints to hack post-horses.

My fatherland has always the first claim on me.