"What annoys me most is that these stupid Frenchmen think I am still just seven years old - because that was my age when they first saw me - (...) they treat me here like a beginner - except the musici…"

"I confess that I am a glutton by nature."

"I beg you most humbly to go on loving me just a little and to make do with these poor congratulations until I get some new drawers made for my small and narrow brainbox in which I can keep the brains …"

"My sole aim is to write good music."

"I am a true German, and I love my country."