Leonard BernsteinThinkers

The 20th century is a badly written drama, from the beginning.

Conducting is like making love to a hundred people at the same time.

The Conductor is one for whom the chief requirement is that he be humble before the composer; that he never interpose himself between the music and the audience; that all his efforts, however strenuous or glamorous, be made in the service of the composer's meaning.

The Detail is that which calls things into being.

Elvis Presley is the greatest cultural force in the twentieth century. He introduced the beat to everything, music, language, clothes, it's a whole new social revolution - the 60's comes from it.

Greatness is achieved with two things; a plan, and not quite enough time.

Inspiration is wonderful when it happens, but the writer must develop an approach for the rest of the time. The wait is simply too long.

Jazz is the only music that allows one to play one note night after night and each time in a different way.

Louis Armstrong is an artist who, whatever he does is real, and true, and honest, and simple, and even noble. Every time this man puts his trumpet to his lips, even if only to practice three notes, he does it with his whole soul.