Haydn's Work Ethic
He described his work habits: "I get up early, and as soon as I have dressed, I go down on my knees and pray to God and the Blessed Virgin that I may have another successful day. Then, when I've had some breakfast, I sit down at the clavier and begin my search. If I hit on an idea quickly, it goes ahead easily and without much trouble. But if I can't get on, I know that I must have forfeited God's grace by some fault of mine, and then I pray once more for grace until I feel I'm forgiven."