"I am a man who believes in facts, not in dreams."

"I have no taste for metaphysics; I prefer good music and good food."

"I am not a politician, but I am an Italian."

"I am a man of few words, but my music speaks for itself."

"I adore art... when I am alone with my notes, my heart pounds and the tears stream from my eyes, and my emotion and my joys are too much to bear."