The true artist is not proud: he unfortunately sees that art has no limits; he feels darkly how far he is from the goal, and though he may be admired by others, he is sad not to have reached that poin...
Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears form the eyes of woman.
Nothing is more intolerable than to have admit to yourself your own errors.
I joyfully hasten to meet death. If it come before I have had opportunity to develop all my artistic faculties, it will come, my hard fate notwithstanding, too soon, and I should probably wish it late...
Recommend virtue to your children it alone, not money, can make them happy. I speak from experience.
Anyone who tells a lie has not a pure heart, and cannot make a good soup.
Don't only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets; art deserves that, for it and knowledge can raise man to the Divine.
Off with you! You're a happy fellow, for you'll give happiness and joy to many other people. There is nothing better or greater than that!
One must not hold one's self so divine as to be unwilling occasionally to make improvements in one's creations.
Applaud my friends, the comedy is over...[on his death bed]