Jascha Heifetz

“I occasionally play works by contemporary composers and for two reasons. First to discourage the composer from writing any more and secondly to remind myself how much I appreciate Beethoven.”

“There is no top. There are always further heights to reach.”

“If I don't practice one day, I know it; two days, the critics know it; three days, the public knows it.”

“Criticism does not disturb me, for I am my own severest critic. After I have played a piece, I know whether I've done well or not.”

“Technique is the ability to conceal technique.”

“There is no such thing as perfection. You are always searching for it, but it is a forever journey.”

“No matter what side of the argument you are on, you will always find people on your side that you wish were on the other side.”

“They say it is better to be poor and happy than rich and miserable, but how about a compromise like moderately rich and just moody?”

“A violinist should be like a great cook. He should be able to take an ordinary piece of meat and make it delicious.”

“I get up at 7:30 and work four hours a day. I'm still striving for perfection, and I know I can get it.”

“I never play a piece the same way twice.”

“If you've heard it, you've heard it.”

“I have an ironclad rule about playing political benefits. I have an ironclad rule about not playing political benefits.”

“You can't be a personality and a person at the same time.”

“True art is alive and should be alive. It's not static. It's not fixed.”