‘Over and above the purely musical aspect that makes Beethoven one of the greatest composers of all time, what stands out for me is the lesson of a moral being: insofar as Beethoven sets himself immensely high standards, immense rigour and courage – in his life, in everything he undertakes, in the authenticity of even the slightest of his artistic gestures – his attitude must rub off on his interpreter. That’s why I think that, for me, Beethoven has represented not only one of the most profound lessons in music, but also a lesson in life.’