When conducting a big top-class orchestra one feels a 75% better conductor and it’s as if one rises above everything. For example, in The Swan of Tuonela one stops to enjoy the beautiful sound of the strings and the tempo can’t help but become much slower.
In all, I have conducted over 200 times abroad. For example, in England I have conducted the fourth symphony five times.
(To Jussi Jalas, 28th July 1942)

I often conduct an orchestra in my sleep; my orchestras are so huge that the back desks of the violas vanish into the horizon. And everything is so wonderful.
(To Jussi Jalas, 27th August 1943)

If I had become a conductor, I would have worn myself out in a couple of years. My temperament is like that.
(To Jussi Jalas, 27th August 1943)