One must not make oneself cheap here - that is a cardinal point - or else one is done. Whoever is most impertinent has the best chance.

Let us put our trust in God and console ourselves with the thought that all is well, if it is in accordance with the will of the Almighty, as He knows best what is profitable and beneficial to our temporal happiness and our eternal salvation.

I write [music] as a sow piddles.

It is a great consolation for me to remember that the Lord, to whom I had drawn near in humble and child-like faith, has suffered and died for me, and that He will look on me in love and compassion.

To every good friend I send my greet feet; addio nitwit. Love true true true until the grave, if I live that long and do behave.

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

I love it when an aria fits a singer as perfectly as a suit of well-tailored clothes.