I've simplified much more in my writing. I say what I've got to say, not in metaphor.

I got my interest in Lotte Lenya and the Brecht-Weill canon from my parents. And I love classical music - I got that from my parents. I love Cole Porter - that I got from my dad.

I serve black tea, which I call Froggy tea. And I have green teas and all sorts of nice teas. I'm serving tea all the time.

The first opera I went to see was Maria Callas singing 'Tosca'.

When you lose your reputation at 19, you lose everything.

I don't like the compression on compact discs. It's lacking in air, and it's lacking in majesty.

The only time I ever really consider retiring is when I get fed up with the press. Which is often.