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.

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

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

True perfection in all things is no longer known or prized - you must write music that is either so simple a coachman could sing it, or so unintelligble that audiences like it simply because no sane person could understand it.

I write [music] as a sow piddles.

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

She's only pretty in that she has two small black eyes and a good figure.