When I play, I make love – it is the same thing.

Don't tell me how talented you are. Tell me how hard you work.

I was born very, very lazy and I don't always practice very long. but I must say, in my defense, that it is not so good, in a musical way, to overpractice. When you do, the music seems to come out of your pocket. If you play with a feeling of 'Oh, I know this,' you play without that little drop of fresh blood that is necessary – and the audience feels it.

The seasons are what a symphony ought to be: four perfect movements in harmony with each other.

Love life and life will love you back. Love people and they will love you back.

The result was magnificent . . . I became the father of two girls and two boys, lovely children by good fortune they all look like my wife.

Most people ask for happiness on condition. Happiness can only be felt if you don't set any condition.