Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the greatest musical geniuses the world has ever seen. In his music, the world received a thought and an entire state of mind that were unlike any previously experienced. A true child prodigy, he began composing at age 5 and rapidly developed his unmistakable style; by 18 he was composing works capable of altering the mind-states of entire civilizations.

His letters reveal him as remarkably creative, fascinated by the arts, principled, religious and devoted to his father. He died nearly penniless and in debt, and at his death, at age 35 an apathetic public took little notice of this man who had done so much in service to civilization. But through the years, the sounds he heard in his head has live on, fascinating millions in elevators, doctors’ offices, train terminals, concert halls and myriad other places. Here are some rare quotes from Mozart, collected from the many letters he wrote to his father and others.