The true artist is not proud: he unfortunately sees that art has no limits; he feels darkly how far he is from the goal, and though he may be admired by others, he is sad not to have reached that point to which his better genius only appears as a distant, guiding sun.

Don't only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets; art deserves that, for it and knowledge can raise man to the Divine.

Art! Who comprehends her? With whom can one consult concerning this great goddess?

Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.

Recommend virtue to your children; it alone, not money, can make them happy. I speak from experience.

Off with you! You're a happy fellow, for you'll give happiness and joy to many other people. There is nothing better or greater than that!

I joyfully hasten to meet death. If it come before I have had opportunity to develop all my artistic faculties, it will come, my hard fate notwithstanding, too soon, and I should probably wish it later - yet even then I shall be happy, for will it not deliver me from a state of endless suffering?

Music is the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend.

Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman.

Music comes to me more readily than words.

Music from my fourth year began to be the first of my youthful occupations. Thus early acquainted with the gracious muse who tuned my soul to pure harmonies, I became fond of her, and, as it often seemed to me, she of me.

Tones sound, and roar and storm about me until I have set them down in notes.

Beethoven can write music, thank God, but he can do nothing else on earth.

Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life.

Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.