This is the mark of a really admirable man: steadfastness in the face of trouble.
Ludwig van BeethovenThe barriers are not erected which can say to aspiring talents and industry, 'Thus far and no farther.'
Ludwig van BeethovenI 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.
Ludwig van BeethovenHandel is the greatest composer that ever lived... I would uncover my head and kneel down on his tomb.
Ludwig van BeethovenI carry my thoughts about with me for a long time... before writing them down... once I have grasped a theme. I shall not forget it even years later. I change many things, discard others, and try again and again until I am satisfied; then, in my head... [the work] rises, it grows, I hear and see the image n front of me from every angle... and only the labor of writing it down remains... I turn my ideas into tones that resound, roar, and rage until at last they stand before me in the form of notes.
Ludwig van Beethoven