Our spirit of life is not identical with that of our ancestors, and therefore their music, even if restored with utter technical perfections, can never have to us precisely the same meaning it had for them. We cannot tear down the barricade that separates the present world from things and deeds past.

People who make music together cannot be enemies, at least while the music lasts.

There are only two things worth aiming for, good music and a clean conscience.

My God, how can anyone ever be a master of music?

The reactions music evokes are not feelings, but they are the images, memories of feelings.

Your task it is, amid confusion, rush, and noise, to grasp the lasting, calm and meaningful, and finding it anew, to hold and treasure it.

There are only twelve tones and they need to be treated carefully.