The cello is a hero because of its register - its tenor voice. It is a masculine instrument, whereas the violin is feminine because of its soprano pitch. When the cello enters in the Dvorak Concerto, it is like a great orator.

Capitalism, communism ... it's all garbage.

I would rather have ideas and some difficulties of technique than a perfect technique and no ideas.

People are craving this great progress in electronics, going after computers, the Internet, etc. It's a giant progress technologically. But they must have a balance of soul, a balance for human beauty. That means art has an important role.

You must play for the love of music. Perfect technique is not as important as making music from the heart.

All my life I wanted to play music with love to every member of the audience.

When I started learning the cello, I fell in love with the instrument because it seemed like a voice - my voice.