If music and sweet poetry agree.

If music and sweet poetry agree.

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.

I remember being handed a score composed by Mozart at the age of eleven. What could I say? I felt read more

I remember being handed a score composed by Mozart at the age of eleven. What could I say? I felt like de Kooning, who was asked to comment on a certain abstract painting, and answered in the negative. He was then told it was the work of a celebrated monkey. 'That's different. For a monkey, it's terrific.'

Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.

Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.

Classical music is the kind that we keep hoping will turn into a tune.

Classical music is the kind that we keep hoping will turn into a tune.

Without music, life is a journey through a desert.

Without music, life is a journey through a desert.

Music never dies. Do we really need another Madonna tour? Does she have to compete with women performers 25 years read more

Music never dies. Do we really need another Madonna tour? Does she have to compete with women performers 25 years her junior

And hears thy stormy music in the drum!

And hears thy stormy music in the drum!

That rich celestial music thrilled the air
From hosts on hosts shining ones, who thronged
Eastward and read more

That rich celestial music thrilled the air
From hosts on hosts shining ones, who thronged
Eastward and westward, making bright the night.