Nature scarcely ever gives us the very best; for that we must have recourse to art.

Art is always and everywhere the secret confession, and at the same time the immortal movement of its time

Every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes, and dance.

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

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.

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

Music is the literature of the heart; it commences where speech ends.

I think another thing is that we don't really want exclusivity. We accept that it is in the artist's interest to be on sale in every place where they sell music.

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

Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.

The music industry can make you feel like a prostitute.

I don't know anything about music. In my line you don't have to.

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

Artistic temperament is a disease that afflicts amateurs.

To play without passion is inexcusable!

Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.

Art is never finished, only abandoned.

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.

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

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

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.