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

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

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

Richard Wagner commenting on the music of Ludvig Van Beethoven: He was a Titan, wrestling with the Gods.

Only art and science can raise men to the level of God.

This is not a brook [Bach means "brook" in German], it's an ocean.

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