The culture of any country is gauged first by its progress in art.

The great familiar musical works are always greeted by the audiences as ever welcome and beloved friends.

Music expresses first of all sadness rather than joy.

When I miss a week in practice, my audience knows it. When I miss a day, I know it.

Is there anything more true than human pain? Is there anything more sincere than the cry for help from those who suffer? Only a great wave of mankind's pity can surmount an immense wave of human misery?

I loved your country [America] before I knew it.

Piano playing is more difficult than statesmanship. It is harder to awake emotions in ivory keys than it is in human beings.