I too had to work hard, so as not to have to work hard any longer.

Directly after God in heaven comes a Papa.

People err who think my art comes easily to me. I assure you, dear friend, nobody has devoted so much time and thought to compositions as I. There is not a famous master whose music I have not industriously studied through many times.

You know that I become quite powerless whenever I am obliged to write for an instrument which I cannot bear.

To my eyes and ears the organ will ever be the King of Instruments.

I am not thoughtless but am prepared for anything and as a result can wait patiently for whatever the future holds in store, and I'll be able to endure it.

The taste of death is upon my lips. I feel something that is not of this earth.