We singers have a different level of responsibility from other musicians. We have words that we must convey; we have meanings that we must convey through these lyrics.

I enjoy reading about the lives of musicians, and find many similarities in their ideas of preparation and their utter devotion to this great, eternal language: music.

Words take on many different meanings.

One needs more than ambition and talent to make a success of anything, really. There must be love and a vocation.

I have enjoyed most particularly reading the correspondence between Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss. The genuine friendship, competitiveness and support that thread through their communications are life lessons for us all.

It is not that the meaning cannot be explained. But there are certain meanings that are lost forever the moment they are explained in words.