Nadia Boulanger quotes

Nadia Boulanger was a renowned French composer, conductor, and influential music teacher. Her students included many of the 20th century's most celebrated composers and musicians. She left a lasting legacy on classical music through her teaching and dedication to nurturing musical talent. Here are 7 of her quotes:

The essential conditions of everything you do must be choice, love, passion.

Nadia Boulanger

Life is denied by lack of attention, whether it be to cleaning windows or trying to write a masterpiece.

Nadia Boulanger

A great work is made out of a combination of obedience and liberty.

Nadia Boulanger

I've been a woman for a little over 50 years and have gotten over my initial astonishment. As for conducting an orchestra, that's a job where I don't think sex plays much part.

Nadia Boulanger

Do not take up music unless you would rather die than not do so.

Nadia Boulanger

Everything we know by heart enriches us and helps us find ourselves. If it should get in the way of finding ourselves, it is because we have no personality.

Nadia Boulanger