The barriers are not erected which can say to aspiring talents and industry, 'Thus far and no farther.'

This is the mark of a really admirable man: steadfastness in the face of trouble.

It is the power of music to carry one directly into the mental state of the composer.

It is my wish that you may have at better and freer life than I have had. Recommend virtue to your children; it alone, not money, can make them happy. I speak from experience; this was what upheld me in time of misery.

I am resolved to rise superior to every obstacle. With whom need I be afraid of measuring my strength? I will take Fate by the throat. It shall not overcome me. O how beautiful it is to be alive - would that I could live a thousand times!

I change many things, discard others, and try again and again until I am satisfied; then, in my head, I being to elaborate the work in its breadth, its narrowness, its height, its depth...I hear and see the image in front of me from every angle as if it had been cast and only the labour of writing it down remains.

My heart is full of many things there are moments when I feel that speech is nothing after all.