I occasionally play works by contemporary composers and for two reasons. First to discourage the composer from writing any more and secondly to remind myself how much I appreciate Beethoven.

If I don't practice one day, I know it; two days, the critics know it; three days, the public knows it.

There is no top. There are always further heights to reach.

I have discovered three things which know no geographical borders - classical music, American jazz, and applause as the sign of the public's favor.

Asked if he had ever conducted any Stockhausen, he said, 'No, but I once trod in some.'

I often conduct an orchestra in my sleep; my orchestras are so huge that the back desks of the violas vanish into the horizon. And everything is so wonderful.

Of Beethoven - 'Beethoven's last quartets were written by a deaf man and should only be listened to by a deaf man'