Quotes from Virgil Thomson

Musicians own music because music owns them.

Every composer's music reflects in its subject-matter and in its style the source of the money the composer is living on while writing the music.

The way to write American music is simple. All you have to do is be an American and then write any kind of music you wish.

I've never known a musician who regretted being one. Music itself is not going to let you down.

Reviewing music or reviewing anything is a writing job. It's nice if you are experienced in the field you are writing about, but writing is what you are doing.

Verbal communication about music is impossible except among musicians.

Whatever deceptions life may have in store for you, music itself is not going to let you down.

I said to my friends that if I was going to starve, I might as well starve where the food is good.

I don't care what other critics say, I only hope to be played.

I never learned to verbalize an abstract musical concept. No thank you. The whole point of being a serious musician is to avoid verbalization whenever you can.

In Paris, you learn wit, in London you learn to crush your social rivals, and in Florence you learn poise.

I don't have to worry No matter what they do to it, it works.

I look at you and I write down what I hear.

I listened to the pure crystalline notes of one of Mozart's concertos dropping at my feet like leaves from the trees.

Let your mind alone, and see what happens.

I've never known a musician who regretted being one. Whatever deceptions life may have in store for you, music itself is not going to let you down.

The way to write American music is simple. All you have to do is be an American and then write any kind of music you wish.

I have never known a musician who regretted being one. Whatever deceptions life may have in store for you, music itself is not going to let you down.

I've never known a musician who regretted being one. Whatever deceptions life may have in store for you, music itself is not going to let you down.

I said to my friends that if I was going to starve, I might as well starve where the food is good.

I don't care what other critics say, I only hope to be played.

Let your mind alone, and see what happens.