I will gladly give lessons as a favor, particularly when I see that my student has talent, inclination, and anxiety to learn; but to be obliged to go to a house at a certain hour, or to have to wait at home for a pupil, is what I cannot do, no matter how much money it may bring me in. . . I am a composer and was born to be a Kapellmeister. I neither can nor ought to bury the talent for composition with which God in his goodness has so richly endowed me. . .

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

If people could see into my heart, I should almost feel ashamed - all there is cold, cold as ice.

She's only pretty in that she has two small black eyes and a good figure.

Melody is the essence of music.

Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius.

It is when I am, as it were, completely myself, entirely alone, and of good cheer.....that ideas flow best and most abundantly. Whence and how they come, I know not, nor can I force them.