My compositions spring from my sorrows. Those that give the world the greatest delight were born of my deepest griefs.

Our castle is not imposing, but is well built, and surrounded by a very fine garden. I live in the bailiff's house.

If only your pure and clean mind could touch me, dear Haydn, nobody has a greater reverence for you than I have.

You believe happiness to be derived from the place in which once you have been happy, but in truth it is centered in ourselves.

I am in the world only for the purpose of composing.

There is no such thing as happy music.

Who can do anything after Beethoven?