I occasionally play works by contemporary composers and for two reasons. First to discourage the composer from writing any more and secondly to remind myself how much I appreciate Beethoven.

No matter what side of the argument you are on, you always find people on your side that you wish were on the other.

There is no top. There are always further heights to reach.

If I don't practice one day, I know it; two days, the critics know it; three days, the public knows it.

There is no such thing as perfection, there are only standards. And after you have set a standard you learn that it was not high enough. You want to surpass it.

Practice like it means everything in the world to you. Perform like you don't give a damn.

I occasionally play works by contemporary composers and for two reasons. First to discourage the composer from writing any more and secondly to remind myself how much I appreciate Beethoven.