Think it a vile habit to alter works of good composers, to omit parts of them, or to insert new-fashioned ornaments. This is the greatest insult you can offer to Art.
As to choice in the study of your pieces, ask the advice of more experienced persons than yourself; by so doing, you will save much time.
You must become acquainted by degrees with all the principal works of the more celebrated masters.
Do not be elated by the applause of the multitude; that of artists is of greater value.
All that is merely modish will soon go out of fashion, and if you practise it in age, you will appear a fop whom nobody esteems.