“You should neither play bad compositions, nor, unless compelled, listen to them.”

“When you play, never mind who listens to you.”

“Endeavour to play easy pieces well and with elegance; that is better than to play difficult pieces badly.”

“Remember, there are more people in the world than yourself. Be modest! You have not yet invented nor thought anything which others have not thought or invented before. And should you really have done so, consider it a gift of heaven which you are to share with others.”

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

“Play always as if in the presence of a master.”

“If all would play first violin, we could not obtain an orchestra. Therefore esteem every musician in his place.”