A conductor can't be too arrogant with an orchestra and try to impose himself too much.

I was trundling around with my inadequacies, and inner pain and loneliness. I yearned, desperately, to be something. I yearned to get out from where I was ... some deep discontent within myself, actually some deep dislike of myself.

I've been composing music all my life and if I'd been clever enough at school I would like to have gone to music college.

I always had a knack for improvisation. I can write down the notes I play, but never really had a proper academic musical background. I suppose I'm blessed and cursed by the fact I have that freedom.

Life's too short to deal with other people's insecurities.

I've got a great sense of humor.

I know how to be strong. I know how to be ruthless. It's part of my nature. I wouldn't be an actor if I wasn't.