I am never happier than when I have something to compose, for that, after all, is my sole delight and passion

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.

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

Silence is very important. The silence between the notes are as important as the notes themselves.

Melody is the essence of music.

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.

A bachelor, in my opinion, is only half alive.