By the time I get through writing a score, I know the book better than the book writer does, because I've examined every word, and questioned the book writer on every word.

You move just a finger, say the slightest word, something's bound to linger-be heard.

My personal life and my artistic life do not interfere with each other.

By the time I was 22, I was a professional. A young and flawed professional, but not an amateur.

Anything you do, let it come from you. Then it will be new.

I took piano lessons when I was 6. I didn't want to go on with it. I don't remember being moved by a piece of music.

It's not so hard to be married, I've done it three or four times.