If asked to list my ten favorite American fiction writers, Gail Godwin would be among them. In this, her latest . . . she evokes in a short book the long married life of two artists. Evenings at Five is a strong tale of love-after-death.

The Great don't innovate, they fertilize seeds planted by lackeys, they leave to others the inhaling of the flowers whose roots they've manured. A deceptive memory may be the key to their originality.

To see itself through, music must have idea or magic. ... Music with neither dies young though rich.

In music the present is extended.

Quarrels in France strengthen a love affair, in America they end it.

Intelligence is silence, truth is being invisible. But what a racket I make in declaring this.

Artists, by definition innocent, don't steal. But they do borrow without giving back.