It's one of nature's way that we often feel closer to distant generations than to the generation immediately preceding us.

Conductors' careers are made for the most part with 'Romantic' music. 'Classic' music eliminates the conductor; we do not remember him in it.

I have learned throughout my life as a composer chiefly through my mistakes and pursuits of false assumptions, not by my exposure to founts of wisdom and knowledge.

Music is, by its very nature, essentially powerless to express anything at all. Music expresses itself.

The performance of performance has developed to such an extent in recent years that it challenges the music itself and will soon threaten it with relegation.

Revolution means turning the wheel.

My music is best understood by children and animals.