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

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

God is ever before my eyes. I realize his omnipotence and I fear His anger; but I also recognize his compassion, and His tenderness towards His creatures.

Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius.

When I feel well and in a good humour, or when I am taking a drive or walking after a good meal, or in the night when I cannot sleep, thoughts crowd into my mind as easily as my mind might wish.

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.

It is a mistake to think that the price of my art has become easy to me.