Richard Strauss

The human voice is the most beautiful instrument of all, but it is the most difficult to play.

Never let the horns and woodwinds out of your sight; if you can hear them at all, they are too loud.

I may not be a first-rate composer, but I am a first-class second-rate composer.

Bear in mind that you are not making music for your own pleasure, but for the pleasure of your audience.

Never look encouragingly at the brass, except with a short glance to give an important cue.