The composer does not sit around and wait for an inspiration to walk up and introduce itself:Making music is actually little else than a matter of invention aided and abetted by emotion. In composing we combine what we know of music with what we feel.

My people are American, my time is today:music must repeat the thought and aspirations of the times.

Jazz I regard as an American folk music; not the only one, but a very powerful one which is probably in the blood and feeling of the American people more than …

I frequently hear music in the heart of noise.

Just as I was starting on my journey the idea came to me for a new symphony, this time with a program, but a program which will remain an enigma to all- let th…

Inspiration is a guest that does not willingly visit the lazy.

I often conduct an orchestra in my sleep; my orchestras are so huge that the back desks of the violas vanish into the horizon. And everything is so wonderful.