Johann Sebastian Bach

"The whole art of composition is the art of clear thinking."

"Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric."

"The natural notes are the foundation of all music."

"Time is the substance I am made of."

"In the German manner, I prefer the firm, the severe, the dignified."

"Every note has equal importance to the whole."

"Idleness is the beginning of all vice."

"The greatest wealth is health."

"I love fugues. They are the expression of orderly thought."

"To the greater glory of God, I dedicate this work."

"Keyboard mastery is achieved through relentless practice and devotion."

"A man is not made to hang his head and sigh. He should stand straight and look toward the future."

"Discipline is the foundation of freedom."

"The hand follows the mind."

"In sorrow and in joy, music is our constant companion."

"Every person must learn the language of music from childhood."

"The heart speaks in melodies that words cannot express."

"Structure gives birth to infinite possibility."

"Harmony is not merely pleasing to the ear; it reflects the order of creation."

"The student must first learn to obey before he can lead."

"In every composition lies a spiritual truth."

"To master an instrument is to master oneself."

"The variations in a theme reveal the depth of the original."

"I teach my sons as my father taught me."

"Numbers form the basis of harmony and truth."

"A single note, truly played, can move the soul."

"Temperance in all things, including music."

"The organ is the king of instruments because it approaches the divine."

"Perfect counterpoint requires perfect balance of forces."

"One must never force the voice against nature."