"I never force myself to compose more than I feel like, for I know that my compositions will not be as good."

"She will never learn the most necessary, most difficult and principal thing in music, that is time, because from childhood she has designedly cultivated the habit of ignoring the beat."

"I am never happier than when I have a pen in my hand."

"The French are such asses, they are truly inept, for they have to go abroad for help."

"I thank God for my happy childhood."