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.

For me, music begins where words end.

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

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

Music begins where the possibilities of language end.

No statue has ever been put up to a critic.

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