Since I'm allergic to various things, the army wouldn't accept me during the war, and I got into the Office of War Information, which sent music to Europe.

Silences between movements are employed only in order to bring the opposing duo to the fore.

When I was in Paris, all of the German refugees began to flow in and it was a very sad time.

Aaron Copland was a man that had a very specific point of view about what music should be which was that, he felt that new music should have the composer should show a personality in his music.

The Third Quartet I made the instruments in pairs - Two different pairs - Violin and viola, and violin and cello. They played very different things from each other all through the whole piece.

Almost every one of my various zero numbered birthdays has had a big concert in London and often in Paris.

Yes, I get a report from BMI about the frequency of performances, and it is very surprising. They played one of my most advanced pieces, and one of my most unusual ones on the radio.

Talking about a materialistic thing, I get about 13 times more royalties from Europe than I do from America.

The first thing that struck me about contemporary music in general had been thatthere was not much interest in rhythm.

My musical life started with hearing and being fascinated by contemporary music.

Why write for the orchestra? For one thing it's a very challenging problem.

You are always a little bit wrong

And here I was thinking you were a bit slow, what with so much asking and not knowing anything.

Both my parents are Italian. My mom was born and raised in Italy. My dad was born in Canada, but then they moved to Italy.

I don't want anything to get in the way of me and my singing. I want my mind as clear as possible.

The foundation of confidence in virtually every field is preparation.

A pessimist is a man who has been compelled to live with an optimist.

When you were straight, evil thoughts and memories came pouring up out of the darkness inside you; buzzing black flies clinging to the insides of your skull.

It is often said that our modern world is incapable of self-government.

Can storied urn, or animated bust Back to its mansion call the fleeting breath? Can Honour's voice provoke the silent dust, Or Flatt'ry soothe the dull cold ear of Death?

Perhaps, in the end, there are no such things as creative people; there are only sharp observers with sensitive hearts.