No music is vulgar, unless it is played in a way that makes it so.

The art of conducting consists in knowing when to stop conducting to let the orchestra play.

If I tell the Berliners to step forward, they do it. If I tell the Viennese to step forward, they do it, but then they ask why.

Quick music sounds dull unless every note is articulated.

No music is vulgar, unless it is played in a way that makes it so.

Those who have achieved all their aims probably set them too low.

I have often said to the orchestra, especially to the younger players, 'Do your best, and love what you are doing, because you are allowed to do this thing.' By this I mean, they can do what millions of people cannot do. Many people cannot think of playing music or listening to it until six o'clock in the evening. To be involved professionally in a thing as creative as this is a great privilege and we have a duty to make it in such a way that we can help bring pleasure and a sense of fulfillment to those who are not so fortunate.