Art! Who comprehends her? With whom can one consult concerning this great goddess?
Ludwig van BeethovenWhat 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.
Ludwig van BeethovenThe world is a king, and like a king, desires flattery in return for favor; but true art is selfish and perverse — it will not submit to the mold of flattery.
Ludwig van BeethovenI 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!
Ludwig van BeethovenYou ask me where I get my ideas. That I cannot tell you with certainty. They come unsummoned, directly, indirectly - I could seize them with my hands - out in the open air, in the woods, while walking, in the silence of the nights, at dawn, excited by moods which are translated by the poet into words, by me into tones that sound and roar and storm about me till I have set them down in notes.
Ludwig van Beethoven