I may not be a first-rate composer, but I am a first-class second-rate composer.

The human voice is the most beautiful instrument of all, but the most difficult to play.

I want to be able to depict in music a glass of beer so accurately that every listener can tell whether it is a Pilsner or a Kulmbacher.

I shall never be converted, and I shall remain true to my old religion of the classics until my life's end.

Ideas, like young wine, should be put in storage and taken up again only after they have been allowed to ferment and to ripen.

Its a funny thing Alice, dying is just the way I composed it in Tod und Verklärung.

On conducting: If you can just barely hear the French horns on stage, the balance is perfect.

If you think that the brass is not blowing loud enough, mute it by a couple of degrees.

Never look at the trombones, you'll just encourage them.

Never look at the brass - it only encourages them.

Must one become seventy years old to recognize that one's greatest strength lies in creating musical kitsch?

If you were really humble you would be great, because humility would never squander the magnificent gift of life.

I would just encourage any artist to stay focused, of course keep God first, and just keep working hard. Try to outwork those who you idolize.

Does the world have nothing inside but sorrow?

[President Obama] made so many promises. We thought that he was going to be -- I shouldn't say this at Christmastime -- but the next messiah.

The trouble with simple living is that, though it can be joyful, rich, and creative, it isn't simple.

Go to your checkbook and see what you spend money on. In an instant, you will know what is important to you because your money goes toward it.

But I'm a hot-blooded Italian by nature. Whatever the situation you present, I'm going to make something out of it.

Jews are responsible for the majority of the wickedness in the world.

Wealth has never yet sacrificed itself on the altar of patriotism.

Time to go inward would you believe that I'm afraid to stare down the barrel of choices I have made.