Emanuel Ax Quotes

Powerful Emanuel Ax for Daily Growth

About Emanuel Ax

Emanuel Ax, born on February 29, 1949, in Lvov (now Lviv, Ukraine), is a renowned American classical pianist of Polish-Jewish descent. Raised in Jerusalem by Holocaust survivors who immigrated to Israel after World War II, Ax began piano lessons at the age of six and quickly demonstrated extraordinary talent. In 1964, his family moved to the United States, settling in New York City. Ax continued his musical education at Juilliard School under the tutelage of renowned pianist William Kapell. He won the prestigious Young Concert Artists International Auditions in 1972 and made his debut with the New York Philharmonic the same year. Ax's career took off, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after musicians of his generation. His repertoire spans from the Baroque period to contemporary works, but he is particularly admired for his interpretations of Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert. Ax has collaborated with leading orchestras and conductors worldwide, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra under Seiji Ozawa. In 1987, Ax was named a United States citizen, an event he described as "the realization of a dream." In addition to his performance career, Ax has been a dedicated teacher. He holds a position as the School of Music's James A. and Louise McMullen Performing Artist-in-Residence at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Quotes by Emanuel Ax reflect his deep understanding and passion for music. Notable quotes include: "The piano is so many things – it can be a voice, it can be an orchestra," and "I think when you play the piano, you have to use all your senses." These words encapsulate Ax's approach to music-making, which combines technical prowess with emotional depth and sensitivity.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Music is a language that doesn't speak in words and makes it clear."

Emanuel Ax suggests that music, like a language, communicates complex ideas and emotions without the need for spoken words. Music can transcend cultural barriers, speaking to the universal human experience in a powerful, emotional way. It is a universal language, capable of conveying profound meaning through melody, harmony, rhythm, and silence.


"Practicing the piano is really more addictive than heroin."

Emanuel Ax suggests that playing the piano is so captivating, engaging, and rewarding that it can be compared to the intense craving or compulsion associated with drug use, particularly heroin. The quote implies a deep passion, dedication, and devotion towards mastering the piano that transcends ordinary hobbies, making it an all-consuming and irresistible pursuit for him.


"I have always felt that my goal as an artist is to express myself, and I believe that if you are expressing yourself sincerely, then people will relate to what you're doing."

Emanuel Ax's quote emphasizes the importance of personal expression in art. He suggests that if an artist genuinely and sincerely communicates their feelings through their work, others will find a relatable connection. In essence, he underscores that authentic self-expression is key to creating meaningful and impactful art.


"The greatest thing a parent can do for their child is to show them how much they love the child."

Emanuel Ax's quote emphasizes the profound impact that unconditional love has on a child's development. By consistently showing their love, parents create an environment where children feel secure, valued, and accepted. This sense of emotional security fosters self-esteem, resilience, and confidence in children, enabling them to navigate life's challenges more effectively. Ultimately, a child who experiences genuine love from their parents develops into a well-rounded, emotionally intelligent individual capable of forming strong relationships and pursuing their dreams with passion and purpose.


"To be able to touch the hearts of others with music, to move people emotionally, is a powerful and beautiful gift."

Emanuel Ax's quote emphasizes the profound impact that music can have on individuals. By suggesting that musicians can "touch the hearts" of listeners and evoke deep emotions, he highlights the transformative power of music. This statement underscores the intimate connection between performer and audience, where a shared emotional experience transcends verbal communication, thus highlighting music's unique role in human interaction and expression.


Mozart often wrote to his family that certain variations or sections of pieces were so successful that they had to be encored immediately, even without waiting for the entire piece to end.

- Emanuel Ax

Waiting, Often, Wrote, Variations

I have been trying to find out exactly when listeners and performers decided that applause between movements would not be allowed, but nobody seems to have been willing to admit that they were the culprit.

- Emanuel Ax

Been, Performers, Listeners, Culprit

We seem to have set up some very arcane rules as to when it is actually OK to applaud.

- Emanuel Ax

Some, Very, Actually, OK

It is wonderful to see how happy all my friends in the LA Philharmonic are in their new home.

- Emanuel Ax

Happy, New, All My Friends, La

If there were no rules about when to applaud, we in the audience would have the right response almost always.

- Emanuel Ax

Audience, Always, Almost, Applaud

Even if you don't like a concert of mine, please, please applaud at the end anyway.

- Emanuel Ax

Like, Mine, Even, Applaud

We should welcome applause whenever it comes.

- Emanuel Ax

Welcome, Should, Whenever, Applause

Sometimes I wish that applause would come just a bit later, when it is so beautifully hushed that I feel like holding my breath in the silence of the end.

- Emanuel Ax

Sometimes, I Wish, Like, Applause

Applause should be an emotional response to the music, rather than a regulated social duty.

- Emanuel Ax

Music, Social, Rather, Applause

All of us love applause, and so we should - it means that the listener likes us!

- Emanuel Ax

Love, Should, Means, Applause

The stage is close to being in the middle of the hall, so that the performers are surrounded by the listeners. I feel that we are all experiencing the music together.

- Emanuel Ax

Middle, Surrounded, Experiencing

I have been coming to Los Angeles since 1975 to perform.

- Emanuel Ax

Been, Los, Angeles, Los Angeles

I usually only play with very close friends.

- Emanuel Ax

Play, Close Friends, Very, Close

How wonderful it is to play with someone you feel very close to.

- Emanuel Ax

Play, How, Very, Close

The sheer force of the music calls for a wild audience reaction.

- Emanuel Ax

Music, Audience, Reaction, Calls

A lot of it just has to do with luck, serendipity.

- Emanuel Ax

Luck, Just, Lot, Serendipity

I have always thought that my ear is also very influenced by my eyes.

- Emanuel Ax

Thought, Always, Very, Ear

Pianists don't argue too much generally because we have such a hard time just getting things right; arguing is for string players.

- Emanuel Ax

String, Players, Arguing, Hard Time

Everyone is different. Sometimes it's very exciting; sometimes very scary.

- Emanuel Ax

Sometimes, Everyone, Very, Scary

If the audience walks out of a concert thinking, What a wonderful experience, then we have done our job.

- Emanuel Ax

Wonderful, Concert, Audience, Job

Everybody makes his path differently.

- Emanuel Ax

Path, Everybody, His, Differently

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