It sometimes seems to me as if I do not belong to this world at all. I deplore music that engenders in people not love but madness: which rouses them to scornful laughter instead of lifting their thoughts to God.

A man endures misfortune without complaint.

Easy mind, light heart. A mind that is too easy hides a heart that is too heavy.

I am in the world only for the purpose of composing.

O Mozart, immortal Mozart, how many, how infinitely many inspiring suggestions of a finer, better life you have left in our souls!

Nobody understands another's sorrow, and nobody another's joy.

There is no such thing as happy music.