You know that I become quite powerless whenever I am obliged to write for an instrument which I cannot bear.

You know that I become quite powerless whenever I am obliged to write for an instrument which I cannot bear.

To win applause one must write stuff so simple that a coachman might sing it.

My dear sister! I’m amazed to discover that you can compose so delightfully. In a word, your Lied is beautiful. You must compose more often.

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

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

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.