the study of jurisprudence, by which I must earn my bread, has so withered and frozen the flowers of my fancy that they will never again seek the light. (To his Mother, November 11, 1829)

Look deeply into life, and study it as diligently as the other arts and sciences.

Everybody told me this 'girl on the piano' thing was never going to work.

When she started to play, Steinway came down personally and rubbed his name off the piano.

Pianos, unlike people, sing when you give them your every growl. They know how to dive into the pit of your stomach and harmonize with your roars when you've split yourself open. And when they see you, guts shining, brain pulsing, heart right there exposed in a rhythm that beats need need, need need, need need, pianos do not run. And so she plays.

If, while at the piano, you attempt to form little melodies, that is very well; but if they come into your mind of themselves, when you are not practising, you may be still more pleased; for the internal organ of music is then roused in you. The fingers must do what the head desires; not the contrary.

I wish the government would put a tax on pianos for the incompetent.

Play always as if in the presence of a master.

When you play, never mind who listens to you.

Arin. I've wanted to do this for a long time.Her words silenced him, steadied him.Antecipation lifted within her like the fragance of a garden under the rain. She sat at the piano, touching the keys. Ready?He smiled. Play.

The notes I handle no better than many pianists. But the pauses between the notes - ah, that is where the art resides.

I dreamt of you last night - as if I was playing the piano and you were turning the pages for me.