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)
To judge a composer is to judge the man himself.
My fatherland is the land of music.
Silence is the most perfect expression of scorn.
I have always found that actively promoting positive change is the best way to combat injustice.
Music must never offend the ear but must please the listener, or in other words the music must never offend the reason of the listener.
When I feel a little low, I put on my best suit, have a good shave, and take a cab to the theater.
A man of my kind has no business at a concert.
The only thing is, I am a little afraid of the cold.
I am a fool for Christ’s sake.
Just as people are inclined to say of a statue that it is very beautiful if it moves them to tears, so I say of a piece of music that it is beautiful if it moves me to tears.
It is a great consolation to know that God is with us.
I simply can't build my reputation on one song.
My dear sister, I wish you every kind of prosperity.
The whole, though it be long, stands almost complete and finished in my mind, so that I can survey it, like a fine picture or a beautiful statue, at a single glance.
I do not like to hear bad music, but I do not mind hearing it if it is good.
We are all mortal until the first kiss and the second glass of wine.
Music is my life and my joy.
I must give you a piece of intelligence that you perhaps already know, namely, that the sequel to The Marriage of Figaro is already completed.
To talk well and eloquently is a very great art, but that an equally great one is to know the right moment to stop talking.
I am just a poor boy who has come up from the gutter.
Contemporaries of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Other Musics born within 50 years of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791).