I don’t go around regretting things that don’t happen.

About Virgil Thomson

Virgil Thomsonwas an American composer and critic. He was instrumental in the development of the “American Sound” in classical music.

More about the author

More quotes from Virgil Thomson

Try a thing you haven’t done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time to figure out whether you like it or not.

Virgil Thomson

American composer and critic

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

Virgil Thomson

American composer and critic

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

Virgil Thomson

American composer and critic

Musicians own music because music owns them.

Virgil Thomson

American composer and critic

You explain how it went, and as far as you can figure out how it got that way.

Virgil Thomson

American composer and critic

I don’t go around regretting things that don’t happen.

Virgil Thomson

American composer and critic

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

Virgil Thomson

American composer and critic

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.

Virgil Thomson

American composer and critic

Let your mind alone, and see what happens.

Virgil Thomson

American composer and critic

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

Virgil Thomson

American composer and critic

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.

Virgil Thomson

American composer and critic

I let her alone and when she got that finished she left me alone. We trusted each other.

Virgil Thomson

American composer and critic

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.

Virgil Thomson

American composer and critic

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

Virgil Thomson

American composer and critic