- [Rodrigo is panicking backstage because his ears are ringing and he has to conduct]
- Beethoven: You think you have hearing problems? I can't hear Scheiße.
- Rodrigo: Ludwig?
- Beethoven: I composed most of my Ninth Symphony in complete silence. Imagine that - writing an Ode to Joy while I was in complete despair.
- Rodrigo: Um...
- Beethoven: Und in 1824, my hearing was completely nonexistent, but I conducted.
- Rodrigo: [Excitedly] I know, I know. I always wanted to ask you...
- Rodrigo: [talking into Beethoven's hearing aid trumpet] ... how did it go?
- Beethoven: Dreadfully. I couldn't hear the orchestra at all. My count was off. Und I continued to conduct even after the symphony had concluded.
- Rodrigo: [Grimacing] Everybody noticed?
- Beethoven: Oh, everybody knew.
- Rodrigo: [Gasping] Aah, that's horrible. Why are you telling me these things? Why?
- Beethoven: That's a good question. You don't even exist!