I think that what's been holding composers back a great deal is that they feel they must have a new style every year. This, in my case, would be hopeless. In fact, it is said that I have no style at all, but that doesn't matter. I just go on doing, as they say, my thing. I believe this takes a certain courage.

I was supposed to be a doctor. I was supposed to go to Princeton. And everything I was supposed to do I didn't.

I guess, for better or for worse, I am an American composer, and I've had a wonderful life being exactly that.

Samuel Barber Quotes