Mistakes - mistakes - you yourself are a unique mistake!

Life would be flat without music. It is the background to all I do. It speaks to the heart in its own special way like nothing else.

Music is indeed the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life.

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

I have always reckoned myself among the greatest admirers of Mozart, and shall do so till the day of my death.

No friend have I. I must live by myself alone; but I know well that God is nearer to me than others in my art, so I will walk fearlessly with Him.

Applaud my friends, the comedy is over... [on his death bed]