Nothing is more odious than music without hidden meaning.

I wish I could throw off the thoughts which poison my happiness, but I take a kind of pleasure in indulging them.

I'm a revolutionary, money means nothing to me.

My manuscripts sleep, while I cannot, for I am covered with poultices.

Every difficulty slurred over will be a ghost to disturb your repose later on.

Yesterday's concert was a success. I hasten to let you know. I inform your Lordship that I was not a bit nervous and played as I play when I am alone. It went well... and I had to come back and bow four times.

The earth is suffocating... Swear to make them cut me open, so that I won't be buried alive.