What you are, you are by accident of birth; what I am, I am by myself. There are and will be a thousand princes; there is only one Beethoven.
He who understands my music will remain free from the miseries that other men drag with them.
Artists are fiery, they do not weep!
I know no other sign of superiority than Goodness.
Only art and science make us suspect the existence of life to a higher level, and maybe also instill hope thereof.
The barriers are not erected which can say to aspiring talents and industry, ‘Thus far and no farther.’
Rossini would have been a great composer if his teacher had spanked him enough on his backside.
It is the power of music to carry one directly into the mental state of the composer.
From the glow of enthusiasm I let the melody escape.
Love, and love alone, is capable of giving you a happier life.
To do good whenever one can, to love liberty above all else, never to deny the truth, even though it be before the throne.
I don’t want to know anything about your system of ethics. Strength is the morality of the man who stands out from the rest, and it is mine.
I liked your opera. I think I will set it to music.
I am resolved to rise superior to every obstacle. With whom need I be afraid of measuring my strength? I will take Fate by the throat. It shall not overcome me. O how beautiful it is to be alive – would that I could live a thousand times!
She was such a good loving mother, my best friend. Oh, who was happier than I when I could still say the dear name “Mother,” and it was heard, and whom can I say it to now?
I carry my thoughts about with me for a long time, often for a very long time, before writing them down.
We mortals with immortal minds are only born for sufferings and joys, and one could almost say that the most excellent receive joy through sufferings.
After Rossini dies, who will be there to promote his music?
I know of no more sacred duty than to rear and educate a child.
If I contemplate myself as part of the Universe: what am I?
Don’t regard yourself as too divine to improve, occasionally, your own works.