Bach is like an astronomer who, with the help of ciphers, finds the most wonderful stars.

Bach is like an astronomer who, with the help of ciphers, finds the most wonderful stars . . . Beethoven embraced the universe with the power of his spirit . . . I do not climb so high. A long time ago I decided that my universe will be the soul and heart of man.

When one does a thing, it appears good, otherwise one would not write it. Only later comes reflection, and one discards or accepts the thing. Time is the best censor, and patience a most excellent teacher.

I am not fitted to give concerts. The audience intimidates me, I feel choked by its breath, paralyzed by its curious glances, struck dumb by all those strange faces.

My manuscripts sleep, while I cannot, for I am covered with poultices.

Oh, how hard it must be to die anywhere but in ones birthplace.

Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on.