When I was young, I used to have successes with women because I was young. Now I have successes with women because I am old. Middle age was the hardest part.

Never sound pompous. You always sound noble, noble. Absolute character of music is nobility. Even popular music can be noble, you see. If it's not noble, then it's not very good... Music is an art of emotion, of nobility, of dignity, of greatness, of love, of tenderness. All that must be brought out in music but never a show of pompousness.

We only begin to live life when we learn to accept it on its own terms.

You cannot play the piano well unless you are singing within you.

Of course there is no formula for success, except perhaps an unconditional acceptance of life, and what it brings

I'm passionately involved in life: I love its change, its color, its movement. To be alive, to be able to see, to walk, to have houses, music, paintings - it's all a miracle.

Even when I'm sick and depressed, I love life.