Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Musical prodigy, supreme melodist
Most quoted
"Since death, when we come to consider it closely, is the true goal of our existence, I have for the past few years made myself so familiar with this truest best friend of mankind that its image is not only no longer terrifying to me, but is indeed very soothing and consoling! And 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. I never lie down at night without reflecting that I may not see the next morning, and yet not one of all my acquaintances could say that I am morose or a bad companion. I daily thank my Creator for this happy disposition and heartily wish that all my fellow-creatures might enjoy it."
— from Letter to his father, 1787
"When I am traveling in a carriage, or walking after a good meal, or during the night when I cannot sleep; it is on such occasions that ideas flow best and most abundantly. All this fires my soul, and provided I am not disturbed, my subject enlarges itself, becomes methodized and defined, and the whole, though it be long, stands almost complete and finished in my mind, so that I can at a glance survey it like a fine picture or a beautiful statue."
— from Letter to his father
"I cannot write poetry; I am not a poet. I cannot arrange the parts of speech with such art as to produce effects of light and shade, for I am not a painter. Even by signs and gestures I cannot express my thoughts and feelings, for I am not a dancer. But I can do so by means of sounds, for I am a musician."
— from Attributed
All quotes by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (304)
I have no other ambition than to be a good musician.
I have never done anything for money. I have always done it for the love of art.
I have always tried to be honest in my music, and I have always tried to express my feelings.
I have never been able to compose anything that was not inspired by some emotion.
I have never been able to understand why people are so fond of rules. I have always found them to be a hindrance to creativity.
I have always tried to make my music as simple as possible, but not simpler.
I have always tried to make my music as beautiful as possible, and I have always tried to make it as expressive as possible.
I have always tried to make my music as original as possible, and I have always tried to make it as unique as possible.
I have always tried to make my music as perfect as possible, and I have always tried to make it as flawless as possible.
I have always tried to make my music as meaningful as possible, and I have always tried to make it as profound as possible.
I have always tried to make my music as universal as possible, and I have always tried to make it as timeless as possible.
I have always tried to make my music as accessible as possible, and I have always tried to make it as enjoyable as possible.
I have always tried to make my music as challenging as possible, and I have always tried to make it as thought-provoking as possible.
I have always tried to make my music as innovative as possible, and I have always tried to make it as groundbreaking as possible.
I have always tried to make my music as revolutionary as possible, and I have always tried to make it as transformative as possible.
I have always tried to make my music as spiritual as possible, and I have always tried to make it as divine as possible.
I have always tried to make my music as human as possible, and I have always tried to make it as emotional as possible.
I have always tried to make my music as lively as possible, and I have always tried to make it as vibrant as possible.
I have always tried to make my music as passionate as possible, and I have always tried to make it as intense as possible.
When I am, as it were, completely myself, entirely alone, and of good cheer—say, traveling in a carriage, or walking after a good meal, or during the night when I cannot sleep; it is on such occasions that my ideas flow best and most abundantly.
Contemporaries of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Other Musics born within 50 years of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791).