7 Quotes & Sayings By Virgil Thomson

Virgil Thomson (1904–1980) was an American composer, conductor, and music educator, born in St. Louis, Missouri, and educated at Harvard University and the University of Paris. He was a brother of the American composer Virgil Thompson, also a student at Harvard. In 1925 he won first prize at the International Society for Modern Music's Contest for Original Composition under Robert Huber's direction Read more

In 1935, he founded the Juilliard School of Music as a school for modern music, which was named after his teacher Paul Juilland. He was also a member of ASCAP from 1943 to 1974. He wrote many articles on musical topics including "Music as an Art" in The Atlantic Monthly in 1949.

1
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
2
I don't care what other critics say, I only hope to be played. Virgil Thomson
3
I look at you and I write down what I hear. Virgil Thomson
4
I said to my friends that if I was going to starve, I might as well starve where the food is good. Virgil Thomson
5
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
6
Let your mind alone, and see what happens. Virgil Thomson