Inspiration may be a form of superconsciousness, or perhaps of subconsciousness - I wouldn't know. But I am sure it is the antithesis of self- consciousness.

The whole problem can be stated quite simply by asking, 'Is there a meaning to music?' My answer would be, 'Yes.' And 'Can you state in so many words what the meaning is?' My answer to that would be, 'No.'

To stop the flow of music would be like the stopping of time itself, incredible and inconceivable.

Don't ever let him near a microphone.

Listening to the Fifth Symphony of Ralph Vaughan Williams is like staring at a cow for forty-five minutes

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.