Change follows change in us, almost without transition; we pass from blissful rapture to sobbing woe; a single step divides our sublimest ecstasies from the darkest depth of spiritual despondency.

Music expresses first of all sadness rather than joy.

The mere fact of knowing that a great audience waits on your labor is enough to shake all your nerves to pieces.

Art without technique is invertebrate, shapeless, characterless.

A man is not necessarily a master because he happened to compose two or three centuries ago. Let us beware of the worship of mere antiquity.

The ultimate necessity is the summoning of the mind and will to do their duty.

If I miss one day of practice, I notice it. If I miss two days, the critics notice it. If I miss three days, the audience notices it.