There are rhythmic ideas which sometimes only work up to a point. In writing there are moments when it just comes off the page, it's not just a collection of notes.

I think music has gone through a period of something very severe, rather radical, rather the way painting did with cubism.

My operas and my theatre works are very formal pieces.

I don't think there is much American music.

The theatre only knows what it's doing next week, not like the opera, where they say: 'What are we going to do in five years' time?' A completely different attitude.

One thing I've tried to do in writing music is take on very basic things, very archetypal things.

I think there are influences that you open the door to, and influences that come under the door.