I've never set out consciously to write American music. I don't know what that would be unless the obvious Appalachian folk references.

It seems to me opera is just as relevant as an expressive art as anything else.

We think the Puritans always dressed in black and white, which they didn't. They loved very bright colors. And there were other differences in perceptions that gave one a very different view of them.

Our most intimate contact with civilizations long since dust has been through the art which has survived them.

I found a certain kind of music congenial to me; it never occurred to me to write music that was academically acceptable.

The story of Willie Stark fascinated me because it was tackling the story of a man who outwardly has all the success one could possibly want and who is destroyed by his personal demons.

Most of the important composers in our country are clustered in the Northeast.

If something is successful with the audience, it's automatically suspect; the reverse is to say that not to reach audiences is the greatest compliment an artist can receive!

There is something inherent in our democracy that tends to want to level. America is a little uncomfortable in the presence of someone who is distinctly superior in whatever way.

What is American music? The most satisfying answer I've come across is that it was a kind of natural comfort with the vernacular which is diverse and regional; it's not one particular set of sounds.

If an American audience is given a serious musical theater piece that is well produced, dramatically gripping and wonderfully acted, they'll respond to it.

She's too sad to be beautiful. No one that sad can still be beautiful.

Poor is what people become, not what they are born to be.

As much as love is the source of power for those who are centred in their hearts, as much fear is the source of illusionary power for those who insist on being led by their heads alone.

All things are like spring dreams, passing with no trace.

Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.

Before I point a finger at anyone, I have to point it at myself first.

Drowning yourself won't help, she told herself sternly. Now, drowning Will, on the other hand.

A painting probably is the most shocking increase in value, from what it costs to make to what you sell it for.

It is therefore vital for you to understand that being single-" separate, unique, and whole"- is most essential to, and the foundation of, not only marital relationships but all relationships.

The American Revolution was the grand operation, which seemed to be assigned by the Deity to the men of this age in our country, over and above the common duties of life