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

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.

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

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

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.

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