To live is not enough; we must take part.

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.

Don’t be vain because you happen to have talent. You are not responsible for that; it was not of your doing. What you do with your talent is what matters.

I used to think that eighty was a very old age. Now I am ninety. I do not think this any more. As long as you are able to admire and to love, you are young.

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

The only weapons I ever had were my cello and my baton.

The most important thing in music is what is not in the notes.