Now, very few composers write for themselves.

This is the first time this has happened that I didn't know how [the soloist] sounded.

I try to get the personality of the person involved. I like writing concertos because I can tailor the works like a good suit of clothes, to show off the things they do well and that they show off.

I won't start a piece until I meet with the person, hear them play and hear what they like.

Too many composers become involved in intellectual speculation which seems to matter more to them than the sound that comes out of all this speculation.

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