Charles-Valentin Alkan

"I’m becoming daily more and more misanthropic and misogynous…nothing worthwhile, good or useful to do… no one to devote myself to. My situation makes me horridly sad and wretched. Even musical production has lost its attraction for me for I can’t see the point or goal."

"Alkan possessed the finest technique he had ever known, but preferred the life of a recluse."