The art of not playing in tempo--one has to learn it. And the art of not playing what is written on the printed paper.

The most perfect technique is that which is not noticed at all.

For twelve years I studied and worked at them every day, and I was nearly 25 before I had the courage to play one of them in public. Before I did, no violinist or cellist had ever played a Suite in its entirety.

Let us not forget that the greatest composers were also the greatest thieves. They stole from everyone and everywhere.

Don't play the notes. Play the meaning of the notes.

I have always regarded manual labour as creative and looked with respect-and, yes, wonder-at people who work with their hands. It seems to me that their creativity is no less than that of a violinist or painter.

Music must serve a purpose; it must be a part of something larger than itself, a part of humanity.