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

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.

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.

The framework of a symphony must be so strong that it forces you to follow it, regardless of the environment and circumstances.

Thought I couldn't live without youIt's gonna hurt when it heals tooEven though I really love youI'm gonna smile cause I deserve toQuickly I'm learning to love againAll I know is I'mma be ok

Raising people is not some lark. It's serious work with serious repercussions. It's air-traffic control. You can't step out for a minute

Perhaps second-hand cares, like second-hand clothes, come easily off and on.

I don't believe in a plumb line. I believe in the exchange of ideas.

What's a star when his most important fan is missing?

I have to do things for myself, and if those standards are set high, then it's up to me to pass or fail.

I would rather spend my entire life doing nothing than have my name attached to something mediocre.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

We never live; we are always in the expectation of living.

Success is like pumping an old well handle. You have to pump a very long time before you get water. But don't give up or you will have to start all over again.