Ludwig van Beethoven Quotes

German composer (1770-1827)

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Ludwig van Beethoven (baptized December 17 1770, died March 26 1827) was a German composer and pianist who lived predominantly in Vienna, Austria. A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential of all composers.

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Alternative Names: L. van Beethoven • Ludvig van Beethoven • L. Bethovenas • Ludwik van Beethoven • Louis van Beethoven • L. v. Beethoven • L. van Betkhoven • Ludwig von Beethoven • Beethoven

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To play without passion is inexcusable!

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. I would, perhaps, rather come to you and your people, than to many rich folk who display inward poverty.

Good Morning, on July 7

My thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved I can only live wholly with you or not at all-
Be calm my life, my all. Only by calm consideration of our existence can we achieve our purpose to live together. Oh continue to love me, never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.
Ever Thine
Ever Mine
Ever Yours

it seemed unthinkable for me to leave the world forever before I had produced all that I felt called upon to produce.…

Never forget the days I spent with you. Continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours.

Said on his deathbed, 1827, as cited from the book Last Words.

Don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets, for it and knowledge can raise men to the divine.

Applaud my friends, the comedy is over...
[on his death bed]

Plaudite, amici, comedia finita est.

(Applaud, my friends, the comedy is over.)

[Said on his deathbed]

Nothing is more intolerable than to have admit to yourself your own errors.

Music from my fourth year began to be the first of my youthful occupations. Thus early acquainted with the gracious muse who tuned my soul to pure harmonies, I became fond of her, and, as it often seemed to me, she of me.

Compared to the works of the Supreme Creator, all things are small.

To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable

I love a tree more than a man.

Dem Manne muß die Musik Feuer aus dem Geist schlagen.