Art's the biggest vanity: the assumption that one's view of peace or fright or beauty is permanently communicable.

To see itself through, music must have idea or magic. ... Music with neither dies young though rich.

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

Arguably, no artist grows up: If he sheds the perceptions of childhood, he ceases being an artist.

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

Love is a mystery which, when solved, evaporates. The same holds for music.

Art means to dare - and to have been right.