Melody is the essence of music.

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

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

I pay no attention whatever to anybody's praise or blame. I simply follow my own feelings.

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.

People err who think my art comes easily to me. I assure you, dear friend, nobody has devoted so much time and thought to compositions as I. There is not a famous master whose music I have not industriously studied through many times.

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.