Leonard Bernstein

The best way to know a composer is to play his music.

I'm not a conductor who happens to compose. I'm a composer who happens to conduct.

Life without music is unthinkable. Life without music is a mistake.

The key to the longevity of any work of art is its ability to communicate across generations.

I love the smell of the orchestra in the morning. It smells like... victory.

If you want to be a great conductor, you have to be a great human being.

The greatest joy in life is to create something beautiful.

I never conduct a piece the same way twice. It's like having a conversation with an old friend – it's always different.

Music is the most powerful form of communication. It transcends language, culture, and time.

There are no wrong notes, only notes in the wrong place.

I'm not a genius. I'm just a very curious person.

The artist's job is to make the audience feel something, even if it's uncomfortable.

Why is it that whenever I hear a piece of music I don't like, it's always by a living composer?

I don't believe in 'modern music' or 'old music.' I believe in good music and bad music.

The only way to learn music is to make music.

A great performance is a conversation between the composer, the performer, and the audience.

I've never met a note I didn't like.

The greatest compliment you can pay a composer is to play his music well.

Music is the language of the emotions.

I'm not afraid of making mistakes. I'm afraid of not trying.