One must not make oneself cheap here - that is a cardinal point - or else one is done. Whoever is most impertinent has the best chance.

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.

Music is my life and my life is music. Anyone who does not understand this is not worthy of God.

Now there is music from which a man can learn something.

I pay no attention whatever to anybody's praise or blame. I simply follow my own feelings.

Music, in even the most terrible situations, must never offend the ear but always remain a source of pleasure.

To win applause one must write stuff so simple that a coachman might sing it.