Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman. Read Summary
Nothing is more intolerable than to have to admit to yourself your own errors. Read Summary
Music is the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend. Read Summary
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. Read Summary
Friends applaud, the comedy is over. Read Summary
Beethoven can write music, thank God, but he can do nothing else on earth. Read Summary
A great poet is the most precious jewel of a nation. Read Summary
The barriers are not erected which can say to aspiring talents and industry, 'Thus far and no farther.' Read Summary
I must confess that I lead a miserable life. For almost two years, I have ceased to attend any social functions, just because I find it impossible to say to people, 'I am deaf.' If I had any other profession, I might be able to cope with my infirmity; but in my profession, it is a terrible handicap. Read Summary
Often, I can scarcely hear any one speaking to me; the tones yes, but not the actual words; yet as soon as any one shouts, it is unbearable. What will come of all this, heaven only knows! Read Summary
When somewhat at a distance, I cannot hear the high tones of instruments, voices. In speaking, it is not surprising that there are people who have never noticed it, for as a rule I am absent-minded, and they account for it in that way. Read Summary
Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life. Read Summary
This is the mark of a really admirable man: steadfastness in the face of trouble. Read Summary
Don't only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets; art deserves that, for it and knowledge can raise man to the Divine. Read Summary
The true artist is not proud: he unfortunately sees that art has no limits; he feels darkly how far he is from the goal, and though he may be admired by others, he is sad not to have reached that point to which his better genius only appears as a distant, guiding sun. Read Summary
Music is the wine which inspires one to new generative processes, and I am Bacchus who presses out this glorious wine for mankind and makes them spiritually drunken. Read Summary
I joyfully hasten to meet death. If it come before I have had opportunity to develop all my artistic faculties, it will come, my hard fate notwithstanding, too soon, and I should probably wish it later - yet even then I shall be happy, for will it not deliver me from a state of endless suffering? Read Summary
Art! Who comprehends her? With whom can one consult concerning this great goddess? Read Summary
O, you men who think or say that I am malevolent, stubborn or misanthropic, how greatly do you wrong me. You do not know the secret cause which makes me seem that way to you, and I would have ended my life - it was only my art that held me back. Ah, it seemed impossible to leave the world until I had brought forth all that I felt was within me. Read Summary
A true artist is expected to be all that is noble-minded, and this is not altogether a mistake; on the other hand, however, in what a mean way are critics allowed to pounce upon us. Read Summary