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Music has charms to soothe a savage breast,
To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.
I've read that things inanimate have moved,
And, as with living souls, have been inform'd,
By magic numbers and persuasive sound.

— William Congreve

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Music

More quotes by William Congreve

Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life. Security is an insipid thing.

Love for Love (1695)

I find we are growing serious, and then we are in great danger of being dull.

The Old Bachelor (1693)

I warrant you, if he danced till doomsday, he thought I was to pay the piper.

Love for Love (1695)

And the prettiest foot! Oh, if a man could but fasten his eyes to her feet, as they steal in and out, and play at bo-peep under her petticoats!

Love for Love (1695)

Women are like tricks by sleight of hand,
Which, to admire, we should not understand.

Love for Love (1695)

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The emphasis of study upon a particular aspect of music is in itself ideological because it contains implications about the music's value.

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Music is well said to be the speech of angels.

Thomas Carlyle Critical and Miscellaneous Essays (1827)

Music has no subject beyond the combinations of notes we hear, for music speaks not only by means of sounds, it speaks nothing but sound.

Eduard Hanslick

Above the pitch, out of tune, and off the hinges.

François Rabelais Gargantua and Pantagruel (1532)

Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: William Congreve (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.