Like any other composer of opera, I choose a subject not for polemical reasons, but because it contains vivid characters in highly charged dramatic situations. Carlisle Floyd characterchargechoose Change image and share on social
I was encouraged by my mother and, to a lesser extent, by my father. Carlisle Floyd encourageextentfather Change image and share on social
Most of the important composers in our country are clustered in the Northeast. Carlisle Floyd clustercomposercountry Change image and share on social
I've never set out consciously to write American music. I don't know what that would be unless the obvious Appalachian folk references. Carlisle Floyd americanappalachianconsciously Change image and share on social
I think anything that is expressed directly and as honestly as possible will last. Carlisle Floyd directlyexpresshonestly Change image and share on social
You can't possibly predict what will last or not. But once you attempt to write for the ages, you're doomed. Carlisle Floyd ageattemptdoom Change image and share on social
If I felt that one of my operas did not come off I would certainly say so. Carlisle Floyd feltopera Change image and share on social
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. Carlisle Floyd demondestroyfascinate Change image and share on social
If something is successful with the audience, it's automatically suspect; the reverse is to say that not to reach audiences is the greatest compliment an artist can receive! Carlisle Floyd artistaudienceautomatically Change image and share on social
It's necessary to track characters all the way through an opera. If you're dealing with more than one or two characters, it's very easy to forget that the others have lives of their own that feed into the story. Carlisle Floyd characterdealeasy share on social
