Millions of years ago, in my previous incarnations, I must have been related to swans... because I can still feel that affinity.

For an instant God opens his door and His orchestra plays the Fifth Symphony.

All the doctors who wanted to forbid me to smoke and to drink are dead.

Music is, for me, like a beautiful mosaic which God has put together. He takes all the pieces in his hand, throws them into the world, and we have to recreate the picture from the pieces.

Millions of years ago, in my previous incarnations, I must have been related to swans... because I can still feel that affinity.

Whereas most other modern composers are engaged in manufacturing cocktails of every hue and description, I offer the public cold spring water.

I often conduct an orchestra in my sleep; my orchestras are so huge that the back desks of the violas vanish into the horizon. And everything is so wonderful.