It is music's lofty mission to shed light on the depths of the human heart

My heart pounds sickeningly and I turn pale... I often feel as if I were dead... I seem to be losing my mind.

Summit or death, either way, I win.

To compose music, all you have to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of

If we were all determined to play the first violin we should never have an ensemble. Therefore, respect every musician in his proper place.

People compose for many reasons: to become immortal; because the pianoforte happens to be open; because they want to become a millionaire; because of the praise of friends; because they have looked into a pair of beautiful eyes; for no reason whatsoever.