It is a real pleasure to see music so bright and spontaneous expressed with corresponding ease and grace.

The idea comes to me from outside of me - and is like a gift. I then take the idea and make it my own - that is where the skill lies.

The only true immortality lies in one's children.

What would become of all historical biography if it was written only with consideration for other peoples' feelings?

How lucky is the man who, like Mozart and others, goes to the tavern of an evening and writes some fresh music. For he lives while he is creating.

It is not hard to compose but it is wonderfully hard to let the superfluous notes fall under the table. . . So many melodies fly about, one must be careful not to tread on them.

In my study I can lay my hand on the Bible in the pitch dark. All truly inspired ideas come from God. The powers from which all truly great composers like Mozart, Schubert, Bach and Beethoven drew their inspirations is the same power that enabled Jesus to do his miracles.