There is something inherent in our democracy that tends to want to level. America is a little uncomfortable in the presence of someone who is distinctly superior in whatever way.

America tends to worship the modest talent because it doesn't put us in an uncomfortable position vis-a-vis the artist.

The artist is something of an outsider in America. I have always felt that America does not value its artists, certainly not in the sense that the Europeans do.

Anyone who creates something new or does something different artistically is going to be singled out.

Opera is given so little attention in the national press.

The story of Willie Stark fascinated me because it was tackling the story of a man who outwardly has all the success one could possibly want and who is destroyed by his personal demons.