Never forget that your days are blessed. You may know how to profit by them, or you may not, but they are blesses.

Music was not invented by the composer, but found.

I adore tradition. I cannot stand habit. Simply to repeat is nothing, also to destroy is nothing. Tradition is never interrupted, we are always evolving but never interrupted.

Do nothing for effect. Do it for truth.

I've been a woman for a little over 50 years and have gotten over my initial astonishment. As for conducting an orchestra, that's a job where I don't think sex plays much part.

The art of music is so deep and profound that to approach it very seriously only is not enough. One must approach music with a serious rigor and, at the same time, with a great, affectionate joy.

There is nothing boring in life except ourselves.