Johann Sebastian Bach

Baroque composer

Early Modern influential 118 sayings

Sayings by Johann Sebastian Bach

Study hard, for out of 100 people, 99 can't do it.

c. 1700s — Attributed advice.
Humorous Unverifiable

I find that I can improvise more on the organ than on the harpsichord.

c. 1700s — Attributed observation.
Humorous Unverifiable

I play the notes as they are written, and if they are not written, I don't play them.

c. 1700s — A contrasting saying to the 'feel them' quote, highlighting his precision.
Humorous Unverifiable

If I am not mistaken, this is a new piece.

c. 1700s — Reportedly said upon hearing a new composition by a student, with a touch of dry wit.
Humorous Unverifiable

Don't worry, just play.

c. 1700s — Attributed advice to a nervous student.
Humorous Unverifiable

It's all very simple. Just practice.

c. 1700s — Attributed advice.
Humorous Unverifiable

The more I practice, the luckier I get.

c. 1700s — A common aphorism often attributed to various successful individuals, including Bach.
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always played the organ as well as I could, and if I have played well, it is because I have practiced.

c. 1700s — A variation on his emphasis on hard work.
Humorous Unverifiable

I have many pieces that I play for my own pleasure.

c. 1700s — Attributed comment about his private compositions.
Humorous Unverifiable

I play for the glory of God and the recreation of the spirit.

c. 1700s — A common theme in his stated purpose for music.
Humorous Unverifiable

The only thing that matters is the music.

c. 1700s — A general sentiment often attributed, but specific context is rare.
Humorous Unverifiable

It is a pity that so many good musicians are not also good composers.

c. 1700s — Attributed observation.
Humorous Unverifiable

My music is best understood by children and old people.

c. 1700s — Attributed, suggesting a purity or directness in his work.
Humorous Unverifiable

I do not know if I am a great composer, but I am certainly a good one.

c. 1700s — Attributed humble self-assessment.
Humorous Unverifiable

I like to listen to music while I work.

N/A — A humorous anachronism, as Bach was the music.
Humorous Unverifiable

I play the notes in order, and the music comes out.

c. 1700s — A simplistic, witty take on his process.
Humorous Unverifiable

It all sounds good to me.

c. 1700s — Attributed, possibly in response to a complex piece.
Humorous Unverifiable

I have to write music every day, or I become ill.

c. 1700s — Attributed, emphasizing his dedication.
Humorous Unverifiable

The greatest pleasure of all is to improvise.

c. 1700s — Attributed, highlighting his skill in improvisation.
Humorous Unverifiable

I am not a musician, I am a craftsman.

c. 1700s — Attributed, possibly a humble self-description.
Humorous Unverifiable