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.

What is to reach the heart must come from above; if it does not come from thence, it will be nothing but notes, body without spirit.

I can do nothing but think of you... What have you done to me? Can't you remove the spell you have cast over me?

My misfortune is doubly painful to me because it will result in my being misunderstood. For me there can be no recreation in the company of others, no intelligent conversation, no exchange of information with peers; only the most pressing needs can make me venture into society. I am obliged to live like an outcast.

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.

My heart is full of many things there are moments when I feel that speech is nothing after all.

Music is the wine which inspires one to new generative processes, and I am Bacchus who presses out this glorious wine for mankind and makes them spiritually drunken.