When I open my eyes I must sigh, for what I see is contrary to my religion, and I must despise the world which does not know that music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.

There are and always will be thousands of princes, but there is only one Beethoven!

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!

Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life. Although the spirit be not master of that which it creates through music, yet it is blessed in this creation, which, like every creation of art, is mightier than the artist.

One must not hold one's self so divine as to be unwilling occasionally to make improvements in one's creations.

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

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