The man who writes about himself and his own time is the only man who writes about all people and all time.

One thing that really appeals to me is this idea of music being a living thing that has an evolution that, in a way, enables the artist to sell a process rather than a piece of product.

Comedy is the blues for people who can?t sing.

I accept chaos, I'm not sure whether it accepts me.

Adding sound to movies would be like putting lipstick on the Venus de Milo.

Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman.

Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.

Music should be something that makes you gotta move, inside or outside

The absence of limitations is the enemy of art.

The true art of memory is the art of attention.

What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure.

Music with dinner is an insult, both to the cook and the violinist.

I'm very happy to hear that my work inspires writers and painters. It's the most beautiful compliment, the greatest reward. Art should always be an exchange.

The music industry can make you feel like a prostitute.

I passionately hate the idea of being with it, I think an artist has always to be out of step with his time.

The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.

Critics are the men who have failed in literature and art.

An artist's duty is rather to stay open-minded and in a state where he can receive information and inspiration. You always have to be ready for that little artistic Epiphany.

Intellectual passion drives out sensuality.

Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.

Music is the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend.