Real understanding does not come from what we learn in books; it comes from what we learn from love of nature, of music, of man. For only what is learned in that way is truly understood.

I don't have hobbies. I have passions.

How could anybody think of Bach as 'cold' when these [cello] suites seem to shine with the most glittering kind of poetry," Casals said. "As I got on with the study I discovered a new world of space and beauty... the feelings I experienced were among the purest and most intense in my artistic life!

For me, Bach is like Shakespeare. He has known all and felt all. He is everything.

The earth becomes heaven when you release your fear. The main thing in life is not to be afraid of being human.

I see in the melody of Nature, God. It is a wonderful work of art. The spirit of the art is wonderful. And I feel that I am myself because I have never taken music lightly. Music is the manifestation of God, like everything else.

There is no substitute for work; what seems ease of performance comes from the greatest labor.