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.

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

When I am at peace with myself . . . then thoughts flow into me most easily and at their best. Where they come from and how - that I cannot say . . . I'd be willing to work forever and forever if I were permitted to write only such music as I want to write and can write - which I myself think good.

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

A man of ordinary talent will always be ordinary, whether he travels or not; but a man of superior talent (which I cannot deny myself to be without being impious) will go to pieces if he remains forever in the same place.

Music, in even the most terrible situations, must never offend the ear but always remain a source of pleasure.

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