After Rossini dies, who will be there to promote his music?

I haven't a single friend; I must live alone. But well I know that God is nearer to me than to the others of my art; I associate with Him without fear, I have always recognized and understood Him, and I have no fear for my music,-it can meet no evil fate. Those who understand it must become free from all the miseries that the others drag with them.

You 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.

We mortals with immortal minds are only born for sufferings and joys, and one could almost say that the most excellent receive joy through sufferings.

I know of no more sacred duty than to rear and educate a child.

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

Don't only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets; art deserves that, for it and knowledge can raise man to the Divine.