A man of ordinary talent will always be ordinary, whether he travels or not; but a man of superior talent (which I cannot deny myself to be without being impious) will go to pieces if he remains forever in the same place.

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.

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

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

Handel understands effect better than any of us -- when he chooses, he strikes like a thunderbolt.

I choose such notes that love one another.

I should like to know for what reason idleness is so popular with many young people that it is impossible to dissuade them from it either by words or by chastisements.