"I carry my thoughts about with me for a long time, often a very long time, before I write them down."

"I have no friend. I must live alone. I know that I am closer to God than other artists; I commune with Him in my art."

"Let us have a moment of silence for the poor, who cannot afford to buy my music."

"I will seize Fate by the throat; it shall certainly not bend me completely to its will."

"It is not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well."