Do nothing for effect. Do it for truth.

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

Without discipline, there can be no freedom.

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.

Life is denied by lack of attention, whether it be to cleaning windows or trying to write a masterpiece.

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

The great conductor is always a despot by temperament and intractable in his ways. ... The artist is obliged to keep his laughter and tears to himself. If they want to emerge, in spite of himself, then he must hide them or unleash them in someone else.