When I lose direction, it becomes very hard to write. I actually get a physical pain, as if my subconscious knows better. That may sound mystical and pretentious, but it's true.

I get nervous before I conduct a concert, but then you just go out there and do it.

It it's true that fastidiousness and attention to detail is very much in my genes - if you knew my parents, you'd see that this is something I've inherited, only doubly so.

Concerts are dangerous because anything can happen - which is one of the joys as well.

The London music world isn't a particularly cohesive place. And when I'm composing, I'm not very friendly. I need isolation.

Photograph speaks every language

The love within them shone as brightly as the lighthouse beam on the darkest, stormiest night. It broke through her confusion and heartache and filled her with a warm glow.

I'm more concerned about the salvation of souls than I am in promoting a particular party.

The greatest mark of a father is how he treats his children when no one is looking.

I often say that eggs and sugar should be beaten until they thicken and pale and sometimes, when there are lots of yolks, that's lemon colored.

A man were better relate himself to a statue or picture than to suffer his thoughts to pass in smother.

To be radical is to grasp things by the root.

I've had friends who've lied to me, I've had friends who've done things behind my back, I've had people steal from me - and it doesn't stop me from trusting.

There's a strong aspect of Buddhism which is geared towards ending all fertility.

From this day forward until the end of the world...we in it shall be remembered...we band of brothers.