Whatever deceptions life may have in store for you, music itself is not going to let you down.

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.

You explain how it went, and as far as you can figure out how it got that way.

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

I don't care what other critics say, I only hope to be played.

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

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