Johann Sebastian Bach

Baroque composer

Early Modern influential 118 sayings

Sayings by Johann Sebastian Bach

Music is nothing else but an ordered chaos.

c. 1720-1750 — Ascribed to him, but source is not definitive
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The music of the spheres is the music of God.

c. 1720-1750 — A general philosophical idea, not a direct quote from Bach
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Without music, life would be a mistake.

N/A — Commonly attributed to Nietzsche, not Bach
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I was born to create.

c. 1720-1750 — A simplified sentiment, not an exact quote
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The organ is the king of instruments.

c. 1720-1750 — A common saying, often attributed to Bach
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Music is the best medicine for the soul.

c. 1720-1750 — A general proverb, not a specific Bach quote
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.

N/A — Often attributed to Einstein, not Bach
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

One must have a good ear, a good memory, and a good imagination.

c. 1720-1750 — A general teaching principle, not a direct quote
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The more I study music, the more I realize how much more I have to learn.

c. 1720-1750 — A general sentiment, not a direct quote
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I wish I had been born a century later.

c. 1740-1750 — Similar to an earlier apocryphal quote, reflects his frustrations
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The music of the future will be a return to the past.

c. 1720-1750 — Ascribed to him, but highly unlikely given his focus on contemporary composition
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I live in my music.

c. 1720-1750 — A common sentiment for artists, not a direct quote from Bach
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The soul of music is in the melody.

c. 1720-1750 — A general musical principle, not a direct quote
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I compose for God and for myself.

c. 1720-1750 — A summary of his motivations, not a direct quote
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

When I am composing, I am in a different world.

c. 1720-1750 — A common experience for composers, not a unique Bach quote
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Music is the breath of life.

c. 1720-1750 — A common metaphor, not a direct quote
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If I decide to be an idiot, then I'll be an idiot on my own accord.

Undated (18th century) — Attributed, but specific source details are often vague. Appears in 'Johann Sebastian Bach Quotation…
Controversial Unverifiable

My present post amounts to about 700 thaler, and when there are rather more funerals than usual, the fees rise in proportion; but when a healthy wind blows, they fall accordingly…

1732 — Letter to Georg Erdmann, on his post as Cantor of Leipzig
Controversial Unverifiable

My masters are strange folk with very little care for music in them.

Undated (18th century) — Attributed, likely referring to his employers in Leipzig
Controversial Unverifiable

Since the best man could not be obtained, mediocre ones would have to be accepted.

Undated (18th century) — Attributed, possibly a comment on hiring practices in Leipzig.
Controversial Unverifiable