Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman.

Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman.

All the sounds of the earth are like music.

All the sounds of the earth are like music.

Music is a higher revelation than philosophy.

Music is a higher revelation than philosophy.

Wagner's music has some wonderful moments but awful half hours.

Wagner's music has some wonderful moments but awful half hours.

Giving jazz the Congressional seal of approval is a little like making Huck Finn an honorary Boy Scout.

Giving jazz the Congressional seal of approval is a little like making Huck Finn an honorary Boy Scout.

True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time. My people are Americans and my read more

True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time. My people are Americans and my time is today.

When I speak of the gifted listener, I am thinking of the nonmusician primarily, of the listener who intends to read more

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.

Most rock journalism is people who can't write interviewing people who can't talk for people who can't read.

Most rock journalism is people who can't write interviewing people who can't talk for people who can't read.

I think I should have no other mortal wants, if I could always have plenty of music. It seems to read more

I think I should have no other mortal wants, if I could always have plenty of music. It seems to infuse strength into my limbs and ideas into my brain. Life seems to go on without effort, when I am filled with music.