Joseph Haydn

“I tell you before God, and as an honest man, your son (W A Mozart)is the greatest composer known to me by person and repute, he has taste and what is more the greatest skill in composition.”

“I tell you before God, and as an honest man, your son is the greatest composer known to me by person and repute, he has taste and what is more the greatest skill in composition." (Said to Leopold Mozart)”

“I was never a quick writer, but composed with great care and efforts.”

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

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

“I was cut off from the world. There was no one to confuse or torment me, and I was forced to become original.”