Anyone who creates something new or does something different artistically is going to be singled out.

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

Socially I never was an outsider. I have never thought of the conflict element before frankly, but perhaps it was wanting to belong, and at the same time wanting to retain one's own personality.

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.

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

You can't possibly predict what will last or not. But once you attempt to write for the ages, you're doomed.