I don't know where there can be so many pianists as in Paris, so many asses and so many virtuosi.

England is a country of pianos, they are everywhere.

Here, whatever is not boring is not English.

Among the numerous pleasures of Vienna the hotel evenings are famous. During supper Strauss or Lanner play waltzes...After every waltz they get huge applause; and if they play a Quodlibet, or jumble of opera, song and dance, the hearers are so overjoyed that they don't know what to do with themselves. It shows the corrupt taste of the Viennese public.

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.

I haven't heard anything so great for a long time; Beethoven snaps his fingers at the whole world...

I have met a great celebrity, Madame Dudevant, known as George Sand... Her appearance is not to my liking. Indeed there is something about her which positively repels me... What an unattractive person La Sand is... Is she really a woman? I'm inclined to doubt it.

I don't know how it is, but the Germans are amazed at me and I am amazed at them for finding anything to be amazed about.