The 32 Best Quotes by Ludwig Van Beethoven About Music and Life

When we talk about musical geniuses, it is likely that one of the first names that comes to mind is that of the great Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 – 1827).

Born in Bonn, Germany, he is considered one of the most influential classical musicians with extensive work as a composer, conductor and pianist.

Famous quotes by Beethoven

An essential musician of Romanticism, Beethoven made the music lovers of his time vibrate with his symphonies.

In the final stages of his career, he lost his hearing and it transcended popular culture that he composed one of his most famous works, the Ninth Symphony, guided only by his instinct, but he was never able to hear his musical composition.

In today’s article Let’s get to know Beethoven’s best phrases as well as his famous quotes that have come down to us through the centuries.

1. Genius is composed of two percent talent and ninety-eight percent persevering application.

It is not only necessary to have good inspiration, but to implement it with perseverance.

2. Act instead of begging. Sacrifice yourself with no hope of glory or reward! If you want to know miracles, do them first. Only in this way can your peculiar destiny be fulfilled.

Another phrase from Beethoven that encourages us to strive every day to the maximum of our possibilities.

3. The barriers have not yet been raised that say to the genius: “You will not pass from here.”

Nothing more indestructible than the creative mind of a genius.

4. Do what it takes to achieve your deepest desire, and you will eventually achieve it.

Motivating phrase like few others that exhorts us to go to the end in every purpose we have.

5. Make other men happy: there is nothing better or more beautiful.

About its greatest reward: public recognition.

6. Never break the silence if it is not to improve it.

A curious famous quote coming from a sound genius like Beethoven.

7. There are times when it seems to me that language is still of absolutely no use.

Human communication is sometimes so complex…

8. Music should make blood flow from the heart of a man, and tears from the eyes of a woman.

A somewhat sexist phrase from Beethoven about the emotions that music should awaken depending on the sex of the viewer.

9. A kind word loses nothing.

Good manners always have a reward.

10. Architecture is a music of stones and music, an architecture of sounds.

Curious parallelism that explains his vision of these two artistic disciplines.

11. I will take over destiny by the collar. It won’t dominate me.

A proof of its tremendous vitality.

12. Advise your children to be virtuous, only virtue can bring happiness, not money.

A life lesson from the German genius.

13. Let’s consider difficulties as stepping stones to a better life.

Another reflection in an optimistic and vital tone.

14. The only symbol of superiority I know is kindness.

A paradox that reveals to us the good work in their personal relationships.

15. May friendship, along with goodness, grow like the shadow of the night until the sun of life goes out.

One of those friendship phrases that can help us reconcile with the world.

16. Resignation! What a sad word! And yet, it is the only refuge left.

A famous quote from Beethoven that he uttered when he could no longer hear his own melodies.

17. You are a prince by chance, by birth; As for me, I am by myself. There are thousands of princes and there will be, but Beethoven there is only one.

A sign of arrogance for some; of challenging the status quo for others.

18. Do not trust your secret even to your most intimate friend; You couldn’t ask him for discretion if you haven’t had it yourself.

Certainly, if we are not capable of maintaining discretion, it will be difficult for others to do it for us.

19. Music constitutes a revelation higher than any philosophy.

His concept of musical art, at the top of the pyramid.

20. Friends are not only united when they are next to each other; Even the one who is far away is still present in our thoughts.

Nice phrase to reflect on friendship, even when there is distance involved.

21. For you, poor Beethoven, there is no happiness in the world, you have to create it in yourself. Only in the regions of the ideal can you find friends.

In a letter to Gleichestein, Beethoven expressed his feelings in this way.

22. Divine Creator, you who can look into the depths of my soul, know that love for man and the desire to do good live there.

A thought directed to God.

23. Everyone who acts rightly and nobly can, for that very reason, endure misfortune.

A life governed by ethics is always happier than opulence achieved through moral misery.

24. It is the same rain that makes brambles and thorns grow in the uncultivated land, and in the gardens, flowers.

A very clarifying metaphor, which can be applied, for example, to the world of education.

25. With men who do not believe in me, I cannot and do not want to associate.

About trust and how any business possibility should be based on it.

26. It is curious to see how as theoretical freedoms increase, practical freedoms decrease.

Reflection in a pessimistic tone on the political and regulatory changes of his time.

27. With whom should I fear measuring my strength?

Another phrase from Beethoven in a grandiloquent tone.

28. Rossini would have been a great composer if his music teacher had given him a good spanking on the butt.

A biting comment towards another composer of the time.

29. Beethoven can write music, thank God, but he can’t do anything else on earth.

About himself, in a show of humility.

30. Those who think or say that I am malicious, obstinate or misanthropic, how wrong they are about me.

Another phrase by Ludwig van Beethoven in which he reflects on his public image.

31. He is an ignoble man who does not know how to die. I have known him since I was fifteen.

Reflection on dignity, especially in the last stages of life.

32. But how is it possible to play for such spoiled children?

About his lack of willingness to perform music for people he didn’t like.