All I insist on, and nothing else, is that you should show the whole world that you are not afraid. Be silent, if you choose; but when it is necessary, speak—and speak in such a way that people will remember it.

I write [music] as a sow piddles.

I never lie down at night without reflecting that, young as I am, I may not live to see another day.

All I insist on, and nothing else, is that you should show the whole world that you are not afraid. Be silent, if you choose; but when it is necessary, speak—and speak in such a way that people will remember it.

Music must never offend the ear, but must please the listener, or, in other words, must never cease to be music.

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

Even when I can play Europe's most precious keyboard, to have to listen to people who don't understand, or do not want to understand, and who are incapable of grasping my intent, whatever I play, does surely forfeit my lust for playing at all.