The artist is something of an outsider in America. I have always felt that America does not value its artists, certainly not in the sense that the Europeans do.

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.

I'm probably the only person in the world that feels physical pain as a reaction to joy.

But what reality was ever made by realists?

The best bet you get is an even break.

I do happen to love Honey Nut Cheerios. I don't know if I want to walk down to the store in my pajamas for them. But I do love them.

I never questioned Barack Obama's patriotism.

I never would have thought of that word, "hospitality." I settle into the rhythm of my steps.

Walk out of any doorway feel your way, feel your way like the day before Maybe you'll find direction around some corner where it's been waiting to meet you.

If your body is 90% water what have you got to drink water all the time for? Why can't you just have some crisps?

I learned really valuable lessons from 'Blue's Clues.' I'd repeat them every day. 'You can do things. You are smart.

The mind which is most capable of receiving impressions is very often the least capable of drawing conclusions.