Music has a lot in com­mon with math­e­mat­ics. But in music, two and two need not make four: they add up to what­ever you wish.

When people come to play music as they do to play bridge, civilization will have taken the longest stride forward since the beginning of time.

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

Criticism does not disturb me, for I am my own severest critic. Always in my playing I strive to surpass myself, and it is this constant struggle that makes music fascinating to me.

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 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.

I have discovered three things which know no geographical borders - classical music, American jazz, and applause as the sign of the public's favor.