"I have never thought of writing for reputation and honor. What I have in my heart must come out; that is the reason why I compose."

"I despise the man who does not make his own music."

"A musician is a musician because he lives the music. Not just plays it. But lives it. And if he doesn't live it, he is nothing."

"There are and will be thousands of princes; there is only one Beethoven."

"The day will come when I shall be able to speak to God without an interpreter."