Music was not invented by the composer, but found.

As far as the execution is concerned ... the most frequent and most serious mistake is to follow the music instead of preceding it.

[On being asked how it felt to be the first female conductor of the Boston Symphony:] I've been a woman for a little more than fifty years, and I've gotten over my original astonishment.

[On the music of Richard Strauss:] Too many notes!

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.

Do not take up music unless you would rather die than not do so.

False notes can be forgiven, false music cannot.