For me, music begins where words end.

Pay no attention to what the critics say; no statue has ever been erected to a critic.

Music begins where the possibilities of language end.

If we understood the world, we would realize that there is a logic of harmony underlying its manifold apparent dissonances.

All the doctors who wanted to forbid me to smoke and to drink are dead.

Music is, for me, like a beautiful mosaic which God has put together. He takes all the pieces in his hand, throws them into the world, and we have to recreate the picture from the pieces.

If you really put a small value upon yourself, rest assured that the world will not raise your price. Pay no attention to what the critics say. A statue has never been erected in honor of a critic.

Music is on a higher plane than everything else in this world.

Whereas most other modern composers are engaged in manufacturing cocktails of every hue and description, I offer the public cold spring water.

I often conduct an orchestra in my sleep; my orchestras are so huge that the back desks of the violas vanish into the horizon. And everything is so wonderful.

Millions of years ago, in my previous incarnations, I must have been related to swans... because I can still feel that affinity.

Darkness had been essentially banished from the Earth. It had become a choice.

Being nice merely to be liked in return nullifies the point.

Every child should be read to.

Freedom of religion is a fundamental Constitutional principle. It's a founding principle of this country.

You see the dilemma?” Ham asked. “I see an idiot,” Breeze mumbled.

I love Nic Cage. He was so much fun to work with.

Somebody needs to kill my trial attorney.

Truth is better than fiction in terms of telling the story.

My faith is brightest in the midst of impenetrable darkness.

Let the Church always be a place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed, loved and forgiven.