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.

Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent

Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent

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.

There are two golden rules for an orchestra: start together and finish together. The public doesn't give a damn what read more

There are two golden rules for an orchestra: start together and finish together. The public doesn't give a damn what goes on in between.

Sometimes I feel like rap music is almost the key to stopping racism.

Sometimes I feel like rap music is almost the key to stopping racism.

Music must rank as the highest of the arts -- more than any other, it ministers to human welfare.

Music must rank as the highest of the arts -- more than any other, it ministers to human welfare.

I don't sing because I'm happy; I'm happy because I sing.

I don't sing because I'm happy; I'm happy because I sing.

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.'

Rugged the breast that music cannot tame.

Rugged the breast that music cannot tame.