141 Quotes by Itzhak Perlman

I don’t feel that the conductor has real power. The orchestra has the power, and every member of it knows instantaneously if you’re just beating time.

For people who are really talented, what you don’t say becomes extremely important. You have to judge what to say and what to leave alone so you can let the talent develop.

Don’t play the way it goes. Play the way it is. And the way it is every time you play it, it’s slightly different. Look for something. So that’s the challenge not to be bored.

Another thing that I don’t like to do is show too much how it goes. I do it once in a blue moon. Sometimes there are lessons when I don’t pick up a violin at all.

Not many people like it when they get criticism. Of course, if you have someone who does tell you and you do have a rapport, that’s great. But don’t rely on it. You have to rely on yourself.

Ask many of us who are disabled what we would like in life and you would be surprised how few would say, ‘Not to be disabled.’ We accept our limitations.

I can’t walk very well, but I’m not onstage to do walking. I’m on the stage to play.

I couldn’t only do one thing – I don’t want the personal hell of oneness.

I’m just a one-instrument player. I have been known to play a blender, but I basically play – just play the violin.