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

Yes, I get a report from BMI about the frequency of performances, and it is very surprising. They played one of my most advanced pieces, and one of my most unusual ones on the radio.

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

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.

Aaron Copland was a man that had a very specific point of view about what music should be which was that, he felt that new music should have the composer should show a personality in his music.

The Quartets have been a major part of my work.

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