In music, in the sea, in a flower, in a leaf, in an act of kindness... I see what people call God in all these things.

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!

What do we teach our children? . . . We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique . . . You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything.

The art of interpretation is not to play what is written.

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

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

I am an old man but in many senses a very young man. And this is what I want you to be, young, young all your life.