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.

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

If I felt that one of my operas did not come off I would certainly say so.

I find it enormously valuable to be sure that that the pacing is what I think it is and that the scenes have the shape I think they have musically and dramatically.

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

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!