If music be the food of love, play on.

If music be the food of love, play on.

The rustle of the leaves in summer's hush
When wandering breezes touch them, and the sigh
That read more

The rustle of the leaves in summer's hush
When wandering breezes touch them, and the sigh
That filters through the forest, or the gush
That swells and sinks amid the branches high,--
'Tis all the music of the wind, and we
Let fancy float on the aeolian breath.

Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman.

Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman.

Music is harmony, harmony is perfection, perfection is our dream, and our dream is heaven.

Music is harmony, harmony is perfection, perfection is our dream, and our dream is heaven.

True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time. My people are Americans and my read more

True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time. My people are Americans and my time is today.

Composers should write tunes that chauffeurs and errand boys can whistle.

Composers should write tunes that chauffeurs and errand boys can whistle.

Music . . .can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.

Music . . .can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.

Extraordinary how potent cheap music is.

Extraordinary how potent cheap music is.

When I speak of the gifted listener, I am thinking of the nonmusician primarily, of the listener who intends to read more

When I speak of the gifted listener, I am thinking of the nonmusician primarily, of the listener who intends to retain his amateur status. It is the thought of just such a listener that excites the composer in me.