The French Revolution is the ultimate modernist statement. Destroy everything. Don't build on the past. There is no past.

The French Revolution is the ultimate modernist statement. Destroy everything. Don't build on the past. There is no past.

I have tremendous respect for film composers.

I find respect for a mediocre British composer, as opposed to a really good American, ridiculous because they automatically respect a composer if he's from England.

I think art can reflect tragedy.

I'm glad I won it because when I grew up the Pulitzer was the award that every composer wanted and I was like that too.

I think it's good for the composer to teach because you always have new students and you have to begin at the beginning and make things clear.