Believe me, my sole purpose is to make as much money as possible; for after good health it is the best thing to have.

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.

To talk well and eloquently is a very great art, but that an equally great one is to know the right moment to stop.

I choose such notes that love one another.

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

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

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.