I was a God-fearing child, innocent and physically attractive.

When you play, never mind who listens to you.

Send light to the dark hearts of men, that is the duty the artist.

People compose for many reasons, to become immortal; because the piano happens to be open; because they want to become a millionaire; because of the praise of friends; because they have looked into a pair of beautiful eyes; or for no reason whatsoever.

In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of.

Does it not seem as if Mozart's works become fresher and fresher the oftener we hear them?

From a pound of iron, that costs little, a thousand watch-springs can be made, whose value becomes prodigious. The pound you have received from the Lord,--use it faithfully.