Talking about a materialistic thing, I get about 13 times more royalties from Europe than I do from America.

Why write for the orchestra? For one thing it's a very challenging problem.

My entire life has really revolved around music that was written about the time that I was born, 1908, to just before the First World War and shortly after it. This music I've always known, and it is that music that's most important to me.

Almost every one of my various zero numbered birthdays has had a big concert in London and often in Paris.

The first thing that struck me about contemporary music in general had been thatthere was not much interest in rhythm.

My musical life started with hearing and being fascinated by contemporary music.

The Quartets have been a major part of my work.