Now there is music from which a man can learn something.

My fatherland has always the first claim on me.

Creativity is the firing of my soul.

To talk well and eloquently is a very great art, but that an equally great one is to know the right moment to stop.

As death, when we come to consider it closely, is the true goal of our existence, I have formed during the last few years such close relationships with this best and truest friend of mankind that death's image is not only no longer terrifying to me, but is indeed very soothing and consoling, and I thank my God for graciously granting me the opportunity...of learning that death is the key which unlocks the door to our true happiness.

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

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