The best way to learn is through the powerful force of rhythm.

Forgive me, Majesty. I am a vulgar man! But I assure you, my music is not.

Handel understands effect better than any of us -- when he chooses, he strikes like a thunderbolt.

I love it when an aria fits a singer as perfectly as a suit of well-tailored clothes.

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

My great grandfather used to say to his wife, my great-grandmother, who in turn told her daughter, my grandmother, who repeated it to her daughter, my mother, who used to remind her daughter, my own sister, that to talk well and eloquently was a very great art, but that an equally great one was to know the right moment to stop.

Melody is the essence of music. I compare a good melodist to a fine racer, and counterpoints to hack post-horses.