As death, when we come to consider it closely, is the true goal of our existence . . .

Melody is the essence of music. I compare a good melodist to a fine racer, and counterpoints to hack post-horses.

To win applause one must write stuff so simple that a coachman might sing it.

Melody is the essence of music.

Whoever is most impertinent has the best chance.

The whole, though it be long, stands almost complete and finished in my mind so that I can survey it at a glance. Nor do I hear in my imagination the parts successively, but I hear them, as it were, all at once. What delight this is I cannot tell!

Love guards the heart from the abyss.