The highest reaches of music come thrillingly close to the central core and essence of life itself.

A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence.

On matters of intonation and technicalities I am more than a martinet - I am a martinetissimo.

I simply make music, and people have always been foolish enough to pay me for it. I never told them that I would have done it all for nothing.

Conscience is that which hurts when everything else feels marvelous.

Music appeals to me for what can be done with it.

Music comes from the heart and returns to the heart... music is spontaneous, impulsive expression... its range is without limit... music is forever growing... music can be one element to help us build a new conception of life in which the madness and cruelty of wars will be replaced by a simple understanding of the brotherhood of man.

Music can be all things to all men. It is like a great dynamic sun in the center of a solar system which sends out its rays and inspiration in every direction... It is as if the heavens open and a divine voice calls. Something in our souls responds and understands.