Controversial Sayings

1,571 sayings found from the Early Modern era

Ah how could I possibly admit such an infirmity in the one sense which should have been more perfect in me than in others[?]

— Ludwig van Beethoven October 6, 1802
Controversial

Ah it seemed impossible to leave the world until I had produced all that I felt called upon me to produce, and so I endured this wretched existence.

— Ludwig van Beethoven October 6, 1802
Controversial

How great was the humiliation when one who stood beside me heard the distant sound of a shepherd's pipe, and I heard nothing; or heard the shepherd singing, and I heard nothing. Such experiences brought me to the verge of despair;--but little more an…

— Ludwig van Beethoven October 6, 1802
Controversial

Do you think I give a damn about your and your pathetic violin?

— Ludwig van Beethoven Unknown
Controversial

Beethoven can write music, thank God, but he can do nothing else on earth.

— Ludwig van Beethoven December 20, 1822
Controversial

Nothing is more intolerable than to have admit to yourself your own errors.

— Ludwig van Beethoven Undated
Controversial

Music is the wine which inspires one to new generative processes, and I am Bacchus who presses out this glorious wine for mankind and makes them spiritually drunken.

— Ludwig van Beethoven Undated
Controversial

Never break the silence if it is not to improve upon it.

— Ludwig van Beethoven Undated
Controversial

There ought to be but one large art warehouse in the world, to which the artist could carry his art-works, and from which he could carry away whatever he needed. As it is, one must be half a tradesman.

— Ludwig van Beethoven January 1801
Controversial

I never write a work continuously, without interruption.

— Ludwig van Beethoven Undated
Controversial

I have never thought of writing for renown and glory. What I have in my heart must out; that is why I write.

— Ludwig van Beethoven Undated
Controversial

Art! Who comprehends her? With whom can one consult concerning this great goddess?

— Ludwig van Beethoven Undated
Controversial

Plaudite, amici, comedia finita est. (Applaud, my friends, the comedy is over.)

— Ludwig van Beethoven 1827
Controversial

I would, perhaps, rather come to you and your people, than to many rich folk who display inward poverty.

— Ludwig van Beethoven Undated
Controversial

May God continue to give you the strength to build your temple of Isis, and may the pure fire there devour all your afflictions so that you may awake like a new phoenix.

— Ludwig van Beethoven Undated
Controversial

Music is like a dream. One that I cannot hear.

— Ludwig van Beethoven January 1804
Controversial

Oh continue to love me–never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved. Ever thine. Ever mine. Ever ours.

— Ludwig van Beethoven 1812
Controversial

Shit in your bed and make it burst.

— Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 1777
Controversial

Leck mich im Arsch!

— Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 1782 (for the canon)
Controversial

What's even worse than a flute? - Two flutes!

— Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 1778
Controversial