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

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.

It's amazing how fast generations lose sight of other generations. One of the first things the young composers who come to work with me say is that they want to write music people will like, instead of gaining their credentials by being rejected by the audience.

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

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.

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

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