She's only pretty in that she has two small black eyes and a good figure.

What's even worse than a flute? - Two flutes!

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.

The most necessary, most difficult and principal thing in music, that is time.

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.

You know that I immerse myself in music, so to speak- that I think about it all day long- that I like experimenting- studying- reflecting.

Music is my life and my life is music.