Never was I so devout as when I composed The Creation. I knelt down each day to pray to God to give me strength for my work....When I was working on …

- Joseph Haydn

It is the melody which is the charm of music, and it is that which is most difficult to produce. The invention of a fine melody is a work of genius.

- Joseph Haydn

I listened more than I studied... therefore little by little my knowledge and ability were developed.

- Joseph Haydn

There was no one near to confuse me, so I was forced to become original.

- Joseph Haydn

Since God has given me a cheerful heart, He will forgive me for serving Him cheerfully.

- Joseph Haydn

When I think upon my God, my heart is full of joy that the notes dance and leap from my pen.

- Joseph Haydn

If you want to know whether you have written anything worth preserving, sing it to yourself without any accompaniment.

- Joseph Haydn

When I think of my God, my heart dances within me for joy, and then my music has to dance, too.

- Joseph Haydn

The custom of saluting [i.e., embracing] ladies by their relatives and friends was introduced, it is said, by the early Romans, not out of respect or…

- Joseph Haydn