Don't only practise your art, but force your way into its secrets.

Oh, how beautiful it is to be alive - would that I could live a thousand times

We mortals with immortal minds are only born for sufferings and joys, and one could almost say that the most excellent receive joy through sufferings.

I carry my thoughts about me for a long time, often a very long time, before I write them down; meanwhile my memory is so faithful that I am sure never to forget, not even in years, a theme that has once occurred to me.

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

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 a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.