Oh you men who think or say that I am malevolent, stubborn, or misanthropic, how greatly do you wrong me. You do not know the secret cause which makes me seem that way to you. Oh how harshly was I flung back by the doubly sad experience of my bad hearing.

What I have in my heart and soul - must find a way out. That's the reason for music.

In the country It seems as if every tree Said to me 'Holy! Holy!' Who can ever express The ecstasy of the woods! Almighty One, In the woods I am blessed. Happy every one in the woods. Every tree speaks through Thee. O God! What glory in the woodland.

Handel is the greatest composer that ever lived... I would uncover my head and kneel down on his tomb.

Whoever tells a lie is not pure of heart, and such a person can not cook a clean soup.

Love demands all, and has a right to all.

I have never thought of writing for reputation and honor. What I have in my heart must come out; that is the reason why I compose.