People err who think my art comes easily to me. I assure you, dear friend, nobody has devoted so much time and thought to compositions as I. There is not a famous master whose music I have not industriously studied through many times.
I really do not aim at any originality.
Creativity is the firing of my soul.
Nor do I hear in my imagination the parts successively, I hear them all at once. What a delight this is! All this inventing, this producing, takes place in a pleasing, lively dream.
I am never happier than when I have something to compose, for that, after all, is my sole delight and passion.
God is ever before my eyes. I realize his omnipotence and I fear His anger; but I also recognize his compassion, and His tenderness towards His creatures.
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.
Now there is music from which a man can learn something.
Write to me and don’t be so lazy. Otherwise I shall have to give you a thrashing. What fun! I’ll break your head.
My dear sister! I’m amazed to discover that you can compose so delightfully. In a word, your Lied is beautiful. You must compose more often.
I am a fool. That is well known.
What’s even worse than a flute? – Two flutes!
If people could see into my heart, I should almost feel ashamed – all there is cold, cold as ice.
Writing music is my one and only passion and joy.
A bachelor, in my opinion, is only half alive.
Handel understands effect better than any of us – when he chooses, he strikes like a thunderbolt.
It is a mistake to think that the price of my art has become easy to me.
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.
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.
Forgive me, Majesty. I am a vulgar man! But I assure you, my music is not.