Musicians ought to reclaim some of the power in the houses of production. The opera houses are run either by managers or by stage directors, never by musicians.

I think the classical music is on a dangerous downward slope, because it's not seeking strong enough resonance with its society.

I'm more authoritarian with the orchestras than I used to be. You need to hold your ground, I've noticed, or you'll be swept aside.

Nothing gets easier but our abilities get better.

Let the gentle bush dig its root deep and spread upward to split the boulder.

I like to have a regimen. I don't like to be fancy free.

Who can take away suffering without entering it?

Every nerve that can thrill with pleasure, can also agonize with pain.

The girl doesn’t need a violin,” he added. “She needs to have her hands bound so she can never touch an instrument again.

Mike and Harvey finally consummate things, a great cliffhanger

I like movies that make you think.

I was an actor before becoming a comedian.

We could not now take time for further search or consideration, our victuals being much spent, especially our beer.