I change many things, discard others, and try again and again until I am satisfied; then, in my head, I being to elaborate the work in its breadth, its narrowness, its height, its depth...I hear and see the image in front of me from every angle as if it had been cast and only the labour of writing it down remains.

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

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

The barriers are not erected which can say to aspiring talents and industry, 'Thus far and no farther.'

Even in poverty I lived like a king for I tell you that nobility is the thing that makes a king

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

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.