I’m not interested in having an orchestra sound like itself. I want it to sound like the composer.

There are two ways to think about all this. One way is that life is absurd to start with and that only a mad man goes out and tries to change the world, to fight for good and against evil. The other way is that life is indeed absurd to start with and that it can be given meaning only if you live it for your ideals, visions and poetic truths, and despite all the skepticism of all the Sancho Panzas’ in the world, saddle up whatever worn out horse you’ve got and go after those visions.

Mozart’s music is constantly escaping from its frame, because it cannot be contained in it.

Wine snobbery, of course, is part showmanship, part sophistication, part knowledge, and part bluff.

To be a success as a Broadway composer, you must be Jewish or gay. I’m both.

From New Year’s on the outlook brightens; good humor lost in a mood of failure returns. I resolve to stop complaining.

The second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find someone who can play the second fiddle with enthusiasm.

Two things are necessary for great achievement: a plan and not quite enough time.

If you’re a good composer, you steal good steals.

I’m no longer quite sure what the question is, but I do know that the answer is Yes.