I was fifteen years old, and I hardly knew how to play a simple Bach prelude on the piano when I began to compose music, and at the most advanced level. I had never studied such things as harmony.

I write bars, for the musicians, because they have to be together.

In my piano concerto I developed this polyphony to much higher complexity

First of all I listen to music. I like music.

It isn't false modesty when I say this, but although I am supposed to be a famous person it doesn't mean anything to me. I just sit at home and work.

Once, in London, the BBC asked me what was my favorite English book. I said Alice in Wonderland

New York is the dream world, the center of jazz and rock