Craft is part of the creative process.

The virtuoso element in jazz playing, all those very fast runs in the upper extremes, simply doesn't appeal to me. That's why I don't want to make my concerto "virtuosic" in the sense of a technical show-off. I want a beautiful sound and a melodic and lyrical line. I am more interested in the way someone can play musically.

I work very fast, keeping the ideas flowing but making sure they come out the way I intended.

The academic area of new music or modern music festivals is not something which attracts me at all.

There's another way of making music, by touching the lives and feelings of ordinary people.

I know that John Adams has had a very hard time directing French ensembles.

I am writing something which I find satisfying and which I am prepared to put my name to as a composer.