"Born in Russia, first lessons at three, debut in Russia at seven, debut in America in 1917. That's all there is to say, really."
-- on his life story
"I occasionally play works by contemporary composers 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."
"No matter what side of an argument you're on, you always find some
people on your side that wish you were on the other side."
"Criticism does not disturb me, for I am my own severest critic.
Always in my playing I strive to surpass myself, and it is this
constant struggle that makes music fascinating to me."
"Can you appreciate music without playing it? Yes, you can.
You can appreciate baseball without playing it. Many people attend
a football game merely for the crowd, the excitement, the color."
"I have discovered three things which know no geographical
borders - classical music, American jazz, and applause as the sign
of the public's favor."
