Quotes from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

When I come to reflect on the subject, in no country have I received such honors or been so esteemed as in Italy, and nothing contributes more to a man's fame than to have written Italian operas, and especially for Naples.

Just as people behave to me, so do I behave to them. When I see that a person despises me and treats me with contempt, I can be as proud as any peacock.

My sole recreations consist in dancing English hornpipes and cutting capers. Italy is a land of sleep; I am always drowsy here.

Versification is, indeed, indispensable for music, but rhyme, solely for rhyming's sake, most pernicious.

It is a great consolation for me to remember that the Lord, to whom I had drawn near in humble and child-like faith, has suffered and died for me, and that He will look on me in love and compassion.

I write as a sow piddles.

An unmarried man, in my opinion, enjoys only half a life.

The happy medium - truth in all things - is no longer either known or valued; to gain applause, one must write things so inane that they might be played on barrel-organs, or so unintelligible that no rational being can comprehend them, though on that very account, they are likely to please.

We live in this world in order always to learn industriously and to enlighten each other by means of discussion and to strive vigorously to promote the progress of science and the fine arts.

You know that I immerse myself in music, so to speak— that I think about it all day long— that I like experimenting— studying— reflecting.

Some fellow built a house here and wrote on it: When I built my house I was very glad, when I knew its cost I got very sad. (During the night somebody scribbled right under it:) Building a house takes a lot of loot, and you should have known it, you nincompoop.

The human voice vibrates naturally - but in such a way - to such a degree that it all sounds beautiful - it is the nature of the voice. We imitate such effects not only on wind instruments, but also with violins - even on clavier - but as soon as you go beyond the natural limits, it no longer sounds beautiful - because it is contrary to nature.

What annoys me most is that these stupid Frenchmen think I am still just seven years old - because that was my age when they first saw me - (...) they treat me here like a beginner - except the musicians; they know better.

What else is genius than that productive power through which deeds arise, worthy of standing in the presence of God and Nature, and which, for this reason, bear results and are lasting? All the creations of Mozart are of this class; within them there is a generative force which is transplanted from generation to generation, and is not likely soon to be exhausted or devoured. CHIPS

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

you mustn't place your signature too low down on the page and thereby leave a blank space above it, otherwise some rogue – if such a letter were to fall into the wrong hands – might cut out the name and add some small demand for several louis d'or in the blank space above it.

the French are such assess, they are truly inept, for they have to go abroad for help.

If people could see into my heart, I should almost feel ashamed - all there is cold, cold as ice.

he must have thought: this is a young fellow and a stupid German besides - that's just how all French speak of the Germans - he will be quite content with this - but the stupid German was not content - and didn't accept the money either (...).

you know that I am, as it were, completely immersed in Musique - it is on my mind all day long - I love to plan - study - reflect on it (...).

I had the honour of kissing St. Peter's foot at Sanct Pietro, and because I have the misfortune of being so small I, the same old numbskull, Wolfgang Mozart, had to be lifted up.

If a passage occurs twice it is played slower the second time; if three times, still slower.

The organ is in my eyes and ears the king of all instruments.

Everything here is too far to walk - or too muddy; for the dirt in Paris is beyond all description.