I was a God-fearing child, innocent and physically attractive.

For me, music is always the language which permits one to converse with the Beyond.

A fiery, good beginner always stands higher than a master in mediocrity.

When you play, do not trouble yourself as to who is listening. Yet always play as though a master listened to you.

People compose for many reasons, to become immortal; because the piano happens to be open; because they want to become a millionaire; because of the praise of friends; because they have looked into a pair of beautiful eyes; or for no reason whatsoever.

When you play, never mind who listens to you.

I feel so entirely in my element with a full orchestra; even if my mortal enemies were marshalled before me, I could lead them, master them, surround them, or repulse them.