As I love Mannheim, Mannheim loves me. - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Melody is the essence of music. I compare a good melodist to a fine racer, and counterpointists to hack post-horses; therefore be advised, let well alone and remember the old Italian proverb: Chi sa più, meno sa — Who knows most, knows least.

Je ne vais jamais au lit sans réfléchir que le lendemain peut-être (si jeune que je sois) je ne serai plus là...; et pourtant personne, de tous ceux qui me connaissent, ne peut dire que je sois chagrin ou triste dans ma conversation...

My fatherland has always the first claim on me.