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

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.

I was trying to do something that seemed very natural and easy but which bridged that gulf between the singing voice and the speaking voice.

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.

America tends to worship the modest talent because it doesn't put us in an uncomfortable position vis-a-vis the artist.

When I've seen my operas in Europe, they have always struck me as more American than when I hear them here. I can't tell you what that phenomenon is.

I think anything that is expressed directly and as honestly as possible will last.