Bel canto is to opera what pole-vaulting is to ballet.

Don't be too dismissive of children. While it's true that few children are artists, all artists are children.

Music is the sole art which evokes nostalgia for the future.

It's not evil that's ruining the earth, but mediocrity. The crime is not that Nero played while Rome burned, but that he played badly.

Compose first, worry later.

Greatness is not the effect of which inspiration is the cause. We are all inspired, but we are all not great.

Anyone can be gay - it's no accomplishment - but only I can be me.