When I was younger I was completely without money - when I was studying in Budapest, when I was a refugee.

I don’t use old music.

Stravinsky used Mother Goose. He was influenced by Mother Goose, indirectly, but very beautifully.

Once, in London, the BBC asked me what was my favorite English book. I said Alice in Wonderland.

My grandfather was not a musician but he was an artist – a painter, a decorative painter.

It isn’t false modesty when I say this, but although I am supposed to be a famous person it doesn’t mean anything to me. I just sit at home and work.

When I was younger I was completely without money – when I was studying in Budapest, when I was a refugee.

Perhaps the better word is emotional yes, I am an emotional man.

I don’t read such boring things. Life is too short.

New York is the dream world, the center of jazz and rock.