I write [music] as a sow piddles.

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

Nevertheless the passions, whether violent or not, should never be so expressed as to reach the point of causing disgust; and music, even in situations of the greatest horror, should never be painful to the ear but should flatter and charm it, and thereby always remain music.

I thank my God for graciously granting me the opportunity of learning that death is the key which unlocks the door to our true happiness.

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.

Music is my life and my life is music.

Directly after God in heaven comes a Papa.