- Princess Lobkowitz: [speaking about the Eroica Symphony] Unusual, though, wasn't it?
- Josef Haydn: Unusual? He's done something no composer has ever done. He's placed himself at the center of his work. He gives us a glimpse into his soul. I expect that's why it is so noisy. But it is something quite new. Quite new. The artist as hero. Everything is different from today.
- Ludwig van Beethoven: [Making introductions] Sir, my student - Reis. He's an idiot.
- Josef Haydn: All students are idiots. It's traditional. **Note: Beethoven was a student of Haydns.**
- Reis: [timidly, afraid of Beethoven's rage] Sir...
- Ludwig van Beethoven: [exploding] Ries, you interfering insect! What is it?
- Reis: Herr Haydn is here, sir.