If people could see into my heart, I should almost feel ashamed - all there is cold, cold as ice.

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

I write [music] as a sow piddles.

Directly after God in heaven comes a Papa.

I am not thoughtless but am prepared for anything and as a result can wait patiently for whatever the future holds in store, and I'll be able to endure it.

As death, when we come to consider it closely, is the true goal of our existence . . .

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.