Everything I chose, I had already played in concert. For the competition, I wanted to pick pieces I know that people like.
Van CliburnI have never known anyone from Texas, no matter how far they go or what they do, who isn't proud of being from Texas.
Van CliburnBut classical music is not entertainment, and I feel viciously strong about that. Classical music is forever. Entertainment is something that is here today, and may be gone tomorrow.
Van CliburnMusic is like painting in sound. You take it into your inner heart and never lose it. It's eternally mysterious.
Van Cliburn