I never learned to verbalize an abstract musical concept. No thank you. The whole point of being a serious musician is to avoid verbalization whenever you can.

In Paris, you learn wit, in London you learn to crush your social rivals, and in Florence you learn poise.

I listened to the pure crystalline notes of one of Mozart's concertos dropping at my feet like leaves from the trees.

Musicians own music because music owns them.

Let your mind alone, and see what happens.

I said to my friends that if I was going to starve, I might as well starve where the food is good.

The way to write American music is simple. All you have to do is be an American and then write any kind of music you wish.