I don't have ideas so much as there are things which constantly evolve... there are various threads or layers, if you like, which change.

There are rhythmic ideas which sometimes only work up to a point. In writing there are moments when it just comes off the page, it's not just a collection of notes.

It's the irrational things that interest me.

I don't think there is much American music.

My operas usually come from musical ideas rather than ideas about subject matter.

My attitude to writing is like when you do wallpapering, you remember where all the little bits are that don't meet. And then your friends say: It's terrific!