I've always loved to sing.
When the human being sings he lends expression to the great wise ways in which the world was made.
Of all the noises known to man, opera is the most expensive.
For me, the monologue was the favorite thing I had done in radio. It was based on writing, but in the end it was radio, it was standing up and leaning forward into the dark and talking, letting words come out of you.
My novels and poems are meant to be read aloud. That's why jazz musicians have been able to adapt my stuff.
I think singing is one of the most natural things that human beings do, but it's difficult.
I write lyrics. putting words and melodies to my songs. That's a real challenge, I take it on vigorously.
The art of producing good music from a cultivated voice can be achieved by many, but the art of producing that music from the harmony of a pure life is achieved very rarely.
Opera singing is in every way of inestimable value; a real heritage for all mankind that has been reached over centuries of studies, attempts, flights of the spirit.
The first opera I went to see was Maria Callas singing 'Tosca'.
I was born a singer. I need to do that.
But I think it is more difficult to do a career as a lieder singer, and there have been less lieder singers.
Poetry is a vocal art for me - but not necessarily a performative one. It might be reading to oneself or recalling some lines by memory.
