"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."
About the author
Virgil Thomson
Composer
Virgil Thomson was an influential American composer and music critic known for his innovative operas and advocacy for American music.
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More quotes by Virgil Thomson
Virgil Thomson
Composer
"In Paris, you learn wit, in London you learn to crush your social rivals, and in Florence you learn poise."
Virgil Thomson
Composer
"I seem to write an opera about every 20 years; if you live long enough you can write four operas. I finished my third in 1970."
Virgil Thomson
Composer
"Let your mind alone, and see what happens."
Virgil Thomson
Composer
"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."
Virgil Thomson
Composer
"I listened to the pure crystalline notes of one of Mozart's concertos dropping at my feet like leaves from the trees."